phagocytes
Last reviewed 11/2020
- 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