GLOSSARY

Microglia are the smallest type of glial cells and act as the immune cells of the central nervous system, that is, the brain and spinal cord.
Unlike other glial cells, which originate from nervous tissue, microglia migrate into the brain during embryonic development from precursor cells of the immune system.

Function

With their fine, mobile processes, microglia constantly monitor the environment around neurons.
When injury or infection occurs, these cells become activated, move to the site of damage, and engulf dead cells, tissue debris, and microbes through phagocytosis.
Microglia also help shape and refine neural connections during development by removing excess