Tom's father suffers a stroke that leaves him partially paralyzed on his right side.What type of glial cell would you expect to find in increased numbers in the damaged area of the brain that is affected by the stroke?
A) astrocytes
B) Schwann cells
C) oligodendrocytes
D) microglia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Microglia are the specialized immune cells of the central nervous system that respond to injury and inflammation. Following a stroke, microglia become activated and migrate to the damaged area, where they phagocytose debris and dead cells, and release pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, an increase in the number of microglia would be expected in the damaged area of the brain affected by the stroke. Astrocytes play a supportive role in the brain, Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves, and oligodendrocytes myelinate central nerves, and none of these cells are primarily involved in the immune response to brain injury.

Tom's Father Suffers a Stroke That Leaves Him Partially Paralyzed