Neuroanatomy · Nervous System · Medium

Microglia

Meaning: Small immune cells resident in the brain and cord that clear debris and respond to injury or infection.

In practice: Activated microglia were found clustered around the damaged neurons on the biopsy slides.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related neuroanatomy words.

Which word means: A specialised cell that transmits nerve impulses.

Which word means: Describing the potential space between the tough outermost membrane covering the brain and the web-like arachnoid layer.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.