What two types of cells make up the nervous system?

The nervous system is primarily composed of two types of cells: neurons and glial cells (or glia). Neurons are the fundamental units responsible for transmitting information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They are specialized for communication and are involved in processing and transmitting information in networks, functioning as the primary operational cells of the nervous system.

Glial cells, on the other hand, serve various supportive roles. They provide structural support to neurons, maintain homeostasis, form myelin (which insulates neuronal axons and speeds up signal transmission), and participate in nutrient transport. Additionally, glia are involved in responding to injury and maintaining the overall health of the nervous system.

The understanding of the roles of these two cell types is crucial for insights into how the nervous system operates and how different conditions might affect neural function. Other options, while they mention cells associated with the body, do not accurately represent the key components of the nervous system. Muscle cells are involved in movement, connective tissues serve to support and bind other tissues, and blood cells are involved in the circulatory system, thereby distinguishing the unique roles of neurons and glia in the structure and function of the nervous system.