Multiple choice

Which of the following glial cells performs its function by the process of phagocytosis?

  1. Neuroglia

  2. Microglia

  3. Macrophages

  4. Oligodendroglia

  5. Astrocytes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Microglia has been regarded as the tissue macrophages of the brain. Microglia is a type of glial cell that are the resident macrophages of the brain and spinal cord and thus act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). The clearance of dying cells must be fast and efficient and is performed by a resident lineage of professional phagocytes, the microglia. These cells patrol the entire vertebrate brain,  and sense the presence of apoptotic and damaged neurons.

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