Which one of the following is not a function of glial cells?

Glial cells are essential for healthy brain functioning. They are found in the brain and spinal cord of vertebrates, and are required for typical brain operation. While each type of glial cell has its own unique functions, there are certain functions that all glial cell types share. However, there is one function in particular that glial cells are not known to perform.

Types of Glial Cells:

• Oligodendrocytes: These cells wrap around nerve axons to form the myelin sheath, which allows for fast and reliable conduction of signals.
• Astrocytes: These glial cells provide physical and chemical support to neurons and maintain the environment of the brain.
• Microglia: These cells are specialized macrophages that protect the central nervous system from infection by engulfing and clearing away pathogens.
• Ependymal Cells: These cells line the cavities of the brain and spinal cord, circulating cerebrospinal fluid to lubricate and protect neurons.

Common Functions of Glial Cells:

• Provide physical and chemical support to neurons
• Maintain the environment of the brain
• Aid in the conduction of signals by producing the myelin sheath
• Protect the central nervous system from infection
• Circulate cerebrospinal fluid to lubricate and protect neurons

Which one of the following is not a function of glial cells?

The answer is that glial cells are not known to produce electrical impulses. This is a task that is exclusively reserved for neurons. While glial cells do play a role in the neuronal activity by providing physical and chemical support to neurons, they do not produce electrical impulses themselves.