microglia

noun

mi·​crog·​lia mī-ˈkräg-lē-ə How to pronounce microglia (audio)
: glia consisting of small cells with few processes that are scattered throughout the central nervous system, that are of mesodermal origin and are thought to be derived from fetal monocytes, and that have a phagocytic function as part of the mononuclear phagocyte system compare macroglia
microglial adjective

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Cite this Entry

“Microglia.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/microglia. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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