This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Phagocytosis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

A phagocyte is a cell that is able to engulf and digest bacteria, protozoa, other microbes and cell debris. Phagocytosis is the act of engulfment and digestion.

Phagocytes include white blood cells such as neutrophils and macrophages.

Phagocytosis is usually the prelude to destruction of the contents of the phagosome - phagocytic vacuole.

Defects in phagocytosis can occur at any stage e.g.:

  • reduced opsonin levels
  • cellular dysfunction e.g. diabetes
  • destructive enzyme deficiency or dysfunction e.g. chronic granulomatous disease
  • mixed defect e.g. Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.