microglia

(noun)

The glial cells of the immune system; they can function as phagocytes.

Related Terms

Examples of microglia in the following topics:

  • Glia

    • Microglia scavenge and degrade dead cells, protecting the brain from invading microorganisms.
    • Microglia scavenge pathogens and dead cells.

  • Macrophages

    • Resident macrophages become adapted to perform particular functions in different organs; so that brain macrophages (microglia) are very different from alveolar macrophages of the lung, Kupffer cells of the liver, or the largest tissue macrophage population, those lining the wall of the gut.

  • Regeneration of Nerve Fibers

    • The hostile, non-permissible growth environment is in part created by the migration of myelin-associated inhibitors, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursors, and microglia.