Match the names of the supporting cells found in column B with the appropriate descriptions in column A.
Column A
___ (1) myelinates nerve fibers in the CNS
_ (2) lines brain cavities
_ (3) myelinates nerve fibers in the PNS
_ (4) CNS phagocyte
______(5) helps regulate the ionic composition of CNS extracellular fluid
Column B
a. Astrocyte
b. Ependymal cell
c. Microglial cell
d. Oligodendrocyte
e. Satellite cell
f. Schwann cell

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the roles of each supporting cell type listed in Column B. For example, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are known for myelination, but in different parts of the nervous system.

Step 2: Identify which cells myelinate nerve fibers in the CNS and PNS. Oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple axons in the CNS, while Schwann cells myelinate single axons in the PNS.

Step 3: Determine which cell lines the brain cavities. Ependymal cells form the epithelial-like lining of the brain's ventricles and spinal cord central canal.

Step 4: Recognize the CNS phagocyte, which is the microglial cell responsible for immune defense and cleaning debris in the CNS.

Step 5: Match the cell that helps regulate the ionic composition of the CNS extracellular fluid, which is the astrocyte, known for maintaining the environment around neurons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Supporting Cells of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Supporting cells in the CNS include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Each has a specific role such as myelination, structural support, immune defense, or lining brain cavities. Understanding their functions helps in identifying their descriptions and matching them correctly.

Myelination in the CNS and PNS

Myelination is the process of forming a myelin sheath around nerve fibers to increase signal speed. Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons in the CNS, while Schwann cells perform this role in the PNS. Recognizing which cell myelinates where is crucial for matching questions.

Functions of Specific Supporting Cells

Astrocytes regulate the ionic environment and provide structural support; microglial cells act as immune phagocytes in the CNS; ependymal cells line brain cavities and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid; satellite cells support neurons in the PNS. Knowing these roles aids in accurate cell-function matching.

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