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Related Concept Videos

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview

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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
09:12

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Physiology of microglia.

Helmut Kettenmann1, Uwe-Karsten Hanisch, Mami Noda

  • 1Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany. kettenmann@mdc-berlin.de

Physiological Reviews
|April 30, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Microglial cells, the brain's immune cells, constantly survey their environment. Upon detecting pathology, they activate, releasing substances that can be beneficial or harmful to the central nervous system.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglial cells are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Originating from mesodermal/mesenchymal precursors, they reside in the brain parenchyma and adopt a ramified
  • resting microglia
  • phenotype.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles and activation states of microglial cells in the CNS.
  • To highlight their function as critical sensors of brain pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on microglial cell behavior and signaling in normal and pathological brain states.
  • Analysis of microglial cell communication pathways with neurons, macroglial cells, and immune cells.

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Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
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Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
09:12

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

  • Examination of receptor expression, including neurotransmitter and cytokine receptors.

    • Main Results:

    • Even in a healthy brain, microglia exhibit dynamic, motile processes for environmental scanning.
    • Microglia communicate extensively with various cell types in the CNS and express diverse receptors.
    • Microglial cells are highly sensitive to CNS dysfunction and initiate a complex activation process.

    Conclusions:

    • Activated microglial cells release substances with dual (detrimental or beneficial) effects on surrounding neural tissue.
    • Activated microglia can migrate to injury sites, proliferate, and perform phagocytosis of cellular debris.
    • Microglial cells play a pivotal role in both maintaining CNS homeostasis and responding to injury and disease.