The behavior and functions of embryonic microglia

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglial progenitors are generated in the yolk sac during the early embryonic stage. Once microglia enter the brain primordium, these cells colonize the structure through migration and proliferation during brain development. Microglia account for a minor population among the total cells that constitute the developing cortex, but they can associate with many surrounding...