Cells Phagocytic

Phagocytic cells are a type of immune system cell that engulf and digest foreign particles, microorganisms, and damaged or dead cells. They play an important role in protecting the body from infections and in cleansing the body of waste.

There are several types of phagocytic cells:

1. Neutrophils are the most numerous phagocytes that engulf and destroy bacteria and fungi.

2. Monocytes are large phagocytic cells that turn into macrophages after migrating into tissues.

3. Macrophages are “big eaters” and are located in tissues and organs, where they cleanse the body of dead cells, bacteria and other particles.

4. Dendritic cells - specialize in capturing foreign antigens and presenting them to lymphocytes.

The process of phagocytosis includes chemotaxis (movement of a cell towards a particle), adhesion (sticking to a particle), engulfment (entry of a particle into a phagosome), and digestion by enzymes and reactive oxygen species. Phagocytosis plays a key role in innate immunity.