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  • Neurons and Glia: The Building Blocks of the Nervous System
    The cells in the nervous system are called neurons and glia.

    * Neurons are the primary functional units of the nervous system. They are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body in the form of electrical and chemical signals.

    * Glia, also known as glial cells, are the supporting cells of the nervous system. They provide structural support, insulation, and nourishment to neurons. They also play a role in the development and repair of the nervous system.

    Here are some examples of different types of glial cells:

    * Astrocytes: These star-shaped cells provide structural support, regulate the chemical environment around neurons, and help to form the blood-brain barrier.

    * Oligodendrocytes: These cells produce myelin, a fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.

    * Microglia: These are the immune cells of the nervous system, engulfing and destroying pathogens and cellular debris.

    * Schwann cells: Similar to oligodendrocytes, these cells produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

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