What is the function of microglia in the central nervous system?

Microglia serve as the primary immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS) and are crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of the neural environment. Their role as phagocytes means they can identify and eliminate pathogens, dead neurons, and debris, effectively cleaning up after injury or disease. This phagocytic activity is essential for protecting the CNS from infections and contributing to inflammatory responses when necessary.

While supporting blood vessels, generating nerve impulses, and producing myelin are important functions within the CNS, they are predominantly carried out by other cell types. Astrocytes are typically involved in supporting blood vessels, neurons are responsible for generating nerve impulses, and oligodendrocytes produce myelin. Microglia's unique phagocytic role distinctly sets them apart in maintaining central nervous system health and responding to damage or infection.