What are the differences between neurons and neuroglia?

Basis of differentiation 

Neurons 

Neuroglia 

Definition 

Are functional cells in the nervous system, involved in receiving and transmitting nerve impulses

Are the supporting cells in the nervous system, responsible for providing neurons with mechanical, structural, and nutritional support

Also known as

Nerve cells 

Glial cells or glia

Significance

Are the functional unit of the nervous system

Are the supporting cells of the neurons

Size

Ranges from 4 μm to 1 mm

Smaller than neurons

Structure 

Consist of a cell body or soma, an axon and dendrites

Axons and dendrites are absent

Presence of granules

Have Nissal granules

Granules are absent

Function

Involved in the signal transduction, conducting and transmitting impulses

Provide neurons with support, packaging, and nutrients 

Role in communication

Participate directly in neural communication

Do not directly participate in neural communication

Formation of synapses 

Form synapses between adjacent neurons, and between neurons and the sensory or effector organs

Do not form synapses

Effect of age on quantity

Number of neurons remains the same with age

Number of neuroglia decreases with age

Ability to multiply in a mature nervous system

Are incapable of multiplying 

Are capable of multiplying by themselves

Repair

Limited ability to regenerate

Play a role in the repair of the nervous system

Types 

3 types:

• Sensory neurons
• Motor neurons 
• Interneurons

4 types in the CNS: 

• Astrocytes
• Oligodendrocytes
• Microglial cells
• Ependymal cells

2 types in the PNS: 

• Schwann cells 
• Satellite cells