CELLS OF THE NERVOUS TISSUE
NEUROGLIA – 8
MICROGLIA
MICROGLIAL CELLS
Microglial cells are the smallest glial cells in the central nervous system. They have relatively small, slightly elongated cell bodies and a few short, branched processes.
Microglial cells function as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They continuously monitor the tissue and can become activated in response to injury or infection. Activated microglia phagocytose microorganisms, damaged cells, and cellular debris and participate in regulating local immune and inflammatory responses.
Brain. Metal impregnation. Medium magnification.