Brain cells. Animated tracking shot through a network of neurons (nerve cells) in the cerebral cortex of the human brain. Red blood cells can be seen streaming through cerebral capillaries. Three types of cells are present. Pyramidal neurons (green) are so-named for their triangular cell bodies. They have numerous processes (axons and dendrites) that collect and transmit information from other nerve cells. Astrocytes (red) are a type of glial tissue, providing support and nourishment for nerve cells. Microglia (blue) are phagocytic macrophage cells and are the main form of immune defence in the central nervous system.