macrophages
Last reviewed 01/2018
Macrophages are a type of white blood cell closely related to their precursor, the monocyte. They have the ability to scavenge for microbes and particulate matter which is phagocytosed and destroyed.
There are two functional populations of macrophages:
- fixed - histiocytes
- free
The speed of migration of macrophages is less than their granulocytic cousins, but they have a longer life-span and duration of enzyme synthesis. The latter makes them better adapted for chronic inflammation and the end stages of acute inflammation.