* 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.