Intro | Schwann Cell | Astrocyte | Oligodendrocyte | Microglia
Part 1: Image-Mapped Tutorial
Part 2: Matching Self-Test
Part 3: Multiple-Choice Self-Test
Microglia are the smallest of glial cells. These tiny dynamos underlie the inflammation response that occurs following damage to the central nervous system and the invasion of microorganisms. They seek dead and dying neurons and phagocytize them (or literally engulf and eat) to rid the healthy tissue of such debris. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that microglia help guide neuronal changes in response to the environment, for example, dendritic branching and synaptic adaptations.