Microglia are special cells in our brain and spinal cord that help protect our nervous system. They play important roles when there’s swelling or damage, like during an injury. Here's how they help:
Activation: When microglia notice an injury or germs, they spring into action. In areas of the nervous system that are inflamed, the number of active microglia can increase by 10-15%.
Cytokine Production: When they are activated, microglia make substances called cytokines. Some of these, like TNF-α and IL-1β, can make nerve cells more vulnerable to damage, increasing their risk by up to 30%.
Phagocytosis: One of the important jobs of microglia is to clean up. They remove junk and dead cells from the nervous system. This cleanup can lower inflammation significantly, sometimes by as much as 50%.
In short, microglia are vital for keeping our brains and spinal cords healthy, especially when they are under threat.
Microglia are special cells in our brain and spinal cord that help protect our nervous system. They play important roles when there’s swelling or damage, like during an injury. Here's how they help:
Activation: When microglia notice an injury or germs, they spring into action. In areas of the nervous system that are inflamed, the number of active microglia can increase by 10-15%.
Cytokine Production: When they are activated, microglia make substances called cytokines. Some of these, like TNF-α and IL-1β, can make nerve cells more vulnerable to damage, increasing their risk by up to 30%.
Phagocytosis: One of the important jobs of microglia is to clean up. They remove junk and dead cells from the nervous system. This cleanup can lower inflammation significantly, sometimes by as much as 50%.
In short, microglia are vital for keeping our brains and spinal cords healthy, especially when they are under threat.