microglia

/ˌmaɪkrəʊˈɡliːə/

Definitions

1. noun

A type of glial cell found in the central nervous system, responsible for removing dead cells and other debris.

“The research team studied the microglia’s role in neurodegenerative diseases.”

2. noun

A type of immune cell that plays a key role in the brain’s response to injury or infection.

“Microglia are activated in response to inflammation in the brain.”

Synonyms

  • glial cell
  • neuroglia

Antonyms

  • neuron