Phagocytes
- sub-divided into two main types, namely neutrophils and macrophages
- share the same function - to engulf pathogen(phago - I eat, Latin)
- neutrophils
- these cells possess a multilobular nucleus
- cells of the inate immune system
- have a pivotal role to play in the development of acute inflammation
- neutrophils also contain granules and can also be classed as one of the granulocytes
- granules contain acidic and alkaline phosphatases, defensins and peroxidase - all of which represent the requisite molecules required for successful elimination of the unwanted pathogen (s)
- these cells possess a multilobular nucleus
- macrophages (termed monocytes when in the blood stream)
- cells of the inate immune system
- have a horseshoe-shaped nucleus
- are large cells
- able to undertake phagocytosis and antigen presentation to T cells
- are seen in chronic inflammation as they are long-lived cell (unlike neutrophils)
- cells comprising the monocyte phagocytic system are tissue bound and, as a result, are further sub-divided depending on their location
- e.g. monocytes if in the blood stream
- alveolar macrophages if in the lungs
- sinus macrophages if in the lymph nodes and spleen
- Kupffer cells if in the liver
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