Asked by Charity Rutter on Jul 06, 2024

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Frank has a microbial infection attacking his brain. Which cell type would you expect to proliferate and be most active during this time?

A) Astrocytes
B) Microglia
C) Oligodendrocytes
D) Ependymal cells
E) Schwann cells

Microbial Infection

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, causing disease or symptoms.

Microglia

Small neuroglial cells that become phagocytic and mobile in response to inflammation; considered to be macrophages within the central nervous system.

Proliferate

To increase rapidly in numbers; commonly used in biological contexts to describe cell multiplication.

  • Describe the immune response of the brain to infection or injury.
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Verified Answer

ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 07, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Microglia are the primary immune defense cells in the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain. They become activated in response to infection, injury, or disease, proliferating and mobilizing to the site of damage to engulf and destroy pathogens, such as microbes, through phagocytosis.