Final answer:
Astrocytes are the glial cells that act as a glycogen fuel reserve buffer, storing glycogen and supplying energy to neurons when needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of glial cell that acts as a glycogen fuel reserve buffer is known as an astrocyte. Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord that play a crucial role supporting neurons. They are involved in the formation of the blood-brain barrier, supply of nutrients to nervous tissue, maintenance of extracellular ion balance, and repair of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injuries.
Astrocytes store glycogen and can metabolize it to lactate and release it to neurons as fuel. This is especially important when the neuron's energy supply is low; for instance, during intense neuronal activity or when blood glucose levels are low. The glycogen stored in astrocytes provides a critical reservoir of energy that can be mobilized for the brain's metabolic needs, ensuring that neural functions can continue even when the body's overall glycogen reserves are low.