Microglia Morphology
Analysis Platform
Automated classification of microglial activation states using quantitative image analysis. Upload an image and get a detailed morphological report on screen in seconds.
(PBS · LPS · 2F · 3F)
Upload Your Sample
Submit your microglia image for instant morphological classification and detailed metrics. Results appear right here on the page.
Platform Features
Quantitative tools for microglial morphology research
Instant Analysis
Upload your image and receive a comprehensive morphological report in seconds, right on the page.
One-Click Copyable Report
Cell counts, solidity metrics, and morphology distribution — copy the whole report to your clipboard as clean text with a single click.
Private by Design
Nothing is stored or collected — no email, no logging, no tracking. Your image is processed and immediately discarded.
4-Category Classification
Ramified, Amoeboid, Hypertrophic, and Rod-like morphology detection.
Morphology Categories
The system classifies microglia into four distinct morphological states
Small soma with long, thin branching processes. Star-shaped homeostatic state.
Large, round soma with no visible processes. Phagocytic activation state.
Enlarged cell body with thickened, shortened processes. Reactive state.
Elongated, bipolar morphology. Associated with neurodegeneration.
🔬 Understanding Results
This tool was calibrated specifically for primary culture microglia. The morphological response to activation differs between in vitro (culture) and in vivo (tissue) conditions. Understanding this difference is critical for correct interpretation of results.
Solidity Interpretation by Sample Type
| Context | Resting Baseline | Activated Response | Solidity Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Vivo (Tissue Sections) | Ramified, extended processes | Amoeboid, compact | LOW → HIGH |
| In Vitro (Primary Culture) ★ | Compact, spindle-shaped | Spreading, extended | HIGH → LOW |
Why the Difference?
The literature shows that cultured microglia exist in a fundamentally different baseline state:
- Baseline activation: Cultured microglia are "partly activated at baseline, with larger somata and reduced fine branching compared with adult in vivo surveillant cells."
- Different morphology: Primary microglia typically appear as round/polygonal, multipolar, or elongated spindle-like cells rather than the classic fine-ramified morphology seen in tissue.
- LPS response: In culture, LPS can cause cells to spread, polarize, and extend lamellipodia/filopodia, resulting in lower solidity rather than the rounding/compaction seen in tissue.
📚 Key References
- Keenan et al., 2023 - "Microglial morphometric analysis: so many options, so little consensus" (Frontiers in Neuroinformatics)
- Lenz et al., 2013 - "Plasticity of primary microglia on micropatterned geometries and spontaneous long-distance migration"
- Fernández-Arjona et al., 2017 - Fractal analysis of microglia morphology