They are thus known as the "supporting cells" of the nervous system. While glia (or glial cells ) are often thought of as the supporting cast of the nervous system, the number of glial cells in the brain actually outnumbers the number of neurons by a factor of ten. Glial cells provide mechanical and metabolic support to neurones. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons. They may contribute to chronic pain . Neuroglial cells or glial cells provide supporting functions to the nervous system. Satellite cells: Satellite cells surround neurons in the sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia and help regulate the chemical environment. In the central nervous system there are a variety of glial cells including astrocytes, which provide support for blood vessels, and oligodendrocytes, which provide support for nerve fibres. Neurons would be unable to function without the vital roles that are fulfilled by these glial cells. The four main functions of glial cells are: to surround neurons and hold them in place, to supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons, to insulate one neuron from another, and to destroy and remove the carcasses of dead neurons (clean up). Originally considered as purely non-functional glue for neurons, decades of research have highlighted the importance as well as further functions of glial cells. There are around 5 major types of Glial cells and I'll try to give the main functions of each. Glial cells, consisting of microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte lineage cells as their major components, constitute a large fraction of the mammalian brain. Functions of Glial cells: They provide mechanical support to neurons. What are the functions of neuroglial cells? What are neuroglial cells? As the resident macrophage cells, they act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). Early research viewed glial cells as the “glue” of the nervous system. Microglia account for 10–15% of all cells found within the brain. Enteric glial cells : Enteric glial cells are found in the nerves in the digestive system. Microglia are a type of neuroglia (glial cell) located throughout the brain and spinal cord. They can remove the foreign material and cell debris by phagocytosis. Besides neurons, the other type of cells present in nervous system are glial or neuroglial cells.These cells form myelin, protect and support neurons.They are far more numerous than neurons ( approximately 10 times more than neurons). Neuroglia have some very important supportive functions in the CNS ( and in the Peripheral Nervous System too).