Question

Which of the following is not true about neuroglial cells?

• A. They do not form synapse
• B. They support and protect the neurons
• C. All neuroglia arise from the ectoderm
• D. They can be phagocytic

Answer 1

The correct option is C All neuroglia arise from the ectoderm

Neuroglial cells are the non-neuronal cells that support and protect the neurons. They do not participate in the conduction of nerve impulses and hence they do not form synapses. They are of 4 types viz., astrocytes, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes arise from the ectoderm but the microglial cells arise from the mesoderm layer of the germ layers. Microglia are phagocytic and they engulf foreign particles and cell debris.