By Billy Hammond (Copyright AELS) There are cells in the central nervous system (think brain, brainstem, spinal cord) that provide a good environment and support for the neurons. They are the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and ependymal cells. Take a look at Neuroglia – Neuron Support Cells (1) for information on the astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Microglia These are the smallest of the neuroglia cells and look like short-spine sea urchins or the konpeito candy sold in Japan. They are the clean up cells of the nervous system and are activated in the case of injury, trauma or stroke. They swell up, become motile and phagocytic (capable of absorbing and dissolving bacteria and small particles) when they sense injury. They also release cytokines (proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation) such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ). Ependymal Cells There are […]
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