microglia

German: Mikroglia
Japanese: 小膠細胞

Anatomy. Small specialized immune cells protecting the central nervous system against microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Microglia are capable of phagocytosis and remove debris left by dead and dying neurons. They can also release a variety of cytotoxic substances such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide in the respiratory burst in order to destroy infectious organisms. Microglia play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases.

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