microglia
Neural immune cells
Microglia are immune cells of the central nervous system—the brain's resident defenders.
They patrol neural tissue, clearing debris, dead cells, and pathogens.
Unlike most brain cells, microglia originate from the same lineage as blood cells rather than neural tissue.
They play roles in brain development, injury response, and neurological diseases: Activated microglia contribute to inflammation in Alzheimer's.
Star-shaped neural support cell
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
cortex · hippocampus · cerebellum · brainstem · white matter · grey matter · ventricle · cerebrum
Immune signaling proteins
- interleukinImmune-signaling protein from leukocytes
- macrophageEngulfing immune cell
- phagocytosisCellular ingestion of particles
- innate immunityInherited pathogen defense system
reactive · surveillance · blood-brain barrier · complement · interferon · neuroprotection
New nerve cell formation
- brain developmentMental faculties emerging over time
- plasticityAbility to change shape
- refinementElegance of manner
- postnatalAfter childbirth
learning · memory · ramified · surveillance · homeostasis · maturation
Degenerative brain disease
- Parkinson'sNeurodegenerative motor disorder
- amyloidCross-beta protein aggregate
- tauGreek nineteenth letter
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
atrophy · dementia · prion · ALS · Huntington's · multiple sclerosis · neuropathology · disease progression
Complete surrounding and absorption
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- lysosomeDigestive organelle in cells
- autophagyCellular self-degradation process
- waste removalEliminating unwanted materials
astrocyte
Star-shaped neural support cell
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
dendrite · cortex · hippocampus · cerebellum · brainstem · white matter · grey matter · ventricle · cerebrum · thalamus
cytokines
Immune signaling proteins
- interleukinImmune-signaling protein from leukocytes
- macrophageEngulfing immune cell
- phagocytosisCellular ingestion of particles
innate immunity · reactive · surveillance · blood-brain barrier · complement · interferon · neuroprotection
neurogenesis
New nerve cell formation
- brain developmentMental faculties emerging over time
- plasticityAbility to change shape
- refinementElegance of manner
postnatal · learning · memory · ramified · surveillance · homeostasis · maturation
Alzheimer's
Degenerative brain disease
- Parkinson'sNeurodegenerative motor disorder
- amyloidCross-beta protein aggregate
- tauGreek nineteenth letter
plaque · atrophy · dementia · prion · ALS · Huntington's · multiple sclerosis · neuropathology · disease progression · biomarker
engulfment
Complete surrounding and absorption
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- lysosomeDigestive organelle in cells
- autophagyCellular self-degradation process
waste removal · remodeling · proteolysis · degradation · recycling