Cell Description
Microglia are small glial cells usually located in the central nervous systems which help in providing defense mechanisms against inflammation. They are widely distributed throughout the brain and into the spinal cord. Though their main function is providing immunity, microglia are also involved in homeostatic processes through neurogenesis and various mechanisms of phagocytosis. Microglia exist in different morphological shapes and components depending on their activity process involved i.e. they can be resting where they have different branched processes attached to their surfaces or active( Kettenmann Hanisch, Noda & Verkhratsky, 2011). This adaptive feature is known as transformative ability which enhances their functioning towards CNS defense.
Below is a diagram of a microglia cell (Shutterstock, n.a)
Unique Ability
Microglia are some of the most incredible cells found in animals especially in human brain. They possess outstanding receptor-ability in detecting inflammation either caused by infection or injury in the brain. When they spot an inflammatory component e.g. bacteria, they rapidly transform to active cells which are larger in shape and attachment-deficient. They also relocate/migrate to areas of inflammation hence increasing the rate of immune response. Microglia secrete cytotoxic substances which breakdown microorganisms such as bacteria which are then expelled as debris. Microglia then consume the resultant debris through phagocytosis facilitating more inflammatory inhibition..
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However, sometimes microglia may lack complete ability to disintegrate debris leading to increased accumulation of infectious/toxic substances which may kill them. Also, they may align and attach particles of debris on their surfaces after phagocytosis through a mechanism known as antigen presentation which may also exacerbate risks. Microglia have other specialized abilities such as extracellular signaling, synaptic stripping and cell scavenging essential in homeostatic functions and immune response.
References
Kettenmann, H., Hanisch, U. K., Noda, M., & Verkhratsky, A. (2011). Physiology of microglia. Physiological reviews , 91 (2), 461-553.
Shutterstock Library. Retrieved from: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/microglia
