Microglial cells are a type of glial cell that acts as the primary immune defense in the CNS. They originate from yolk sac progenitors and migrate to the CNS early in development. Microglia are highly dynamic cells, constantly surveying the microenvironment for signs of damage or infection. Upon detecting such signals, they become activated, change their morphology, and release cytokines and other factors to modulate the immune response.
