Macrophage

A large phagocytic cell of the monocyte series. Important as an antigenpresenting cell and as a producer of certain cytokines, i.e., interleukin‐1 and gammainterferon, and growth factors.

A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.

A phagocytic cell that is the counterpart of a monocyte. A monocyte that has left the bloodstream and has moved into the tissues. Macrophages have basically the same functions as monocytes, but they carry these out in the tissues. In summary, they engulf and kill microorganisms, present antigen to the lymphocytes, and kill certain tumor cells, and their secretions regulate inflammation. In the spleen they engulf and destroy old red blood cells. When they reside in the bone marrow they store iron and then transfer it to red blood cells. In the lungs and GI tract they are scavengers and keep the tissues clean. They also serve as a reservoir for the AIDS virus. They (and other phagocytic cells) are largely responsible for the localization and degradation of foreign materials at inflammatory sites. Macrophages display chemotaxis.

This is a mature form of what is released from the marrow as a monocyte. A macrophage lives long, can digest much detritus, and is able to wear particles of odd food on its outer membrane. This allows T-cell and B-cell lymphocytes to taste the particle (an epitope) and form an antibody response. Further, these macrophages, traveling as monocytes, will take up permanent residence in many tissues, providing them with immunity. They line the spleen, form the cleansing Kupffer cells in the liver, make up the “dust cells” that protect the lungs, protect the synovial fluids of the joints, and form the microglial cells that provide protection to the brain and nerve tissue-on and on, the macrophages cleaning up messes and acting as the intermediates between innate and acquired immunity.

Any of the class of cells within the body tissues having the ability to engulf particular substances and microorganisms.

A monocyte blood cell.

Immune cells that (1) phagocytize pathogens, (2) present parts of the engulfed antigen on its plasma membrane to activate the T cell response, and (3) secrete cytokines. They are important in both the innate and adaptive immune responses.

A large immune cell that destroys invading microorganisms.

Any of several large cells which destroy inflammatory tissue, found in connective tissue, wounds, lymph nodes and other parts.

Cells of the immune system that are the first line of defense against pathogens. These cells are large mononuclear phagocytes that work by engulfing the foreign substance and neutralizing it.

Large scavenger cell (phagocyte) that engulfs and digests invading microorganisms and cell debris. Some are fixed (e.g., in connective tissues, liver, and spleen); others circulate in the blood.

Monocyte cells that have migrated from circulation into tissues and are responsible for immune response by engulfing and ingesting foreign antigens.

A large scavenger cell (a phagocyte) present in connective tissue and many major organs and tissues, including the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and the central nervous system. They are closely related to monocytes. Fixed macrophages (histiocytes) are stationary within connective tissue; free macrophages wander between cells and aggregate at focal sites of infection, where they remove bacteria or other foreign bodies from blood or tissues.

A large phagocyte that forms part of the reticulo-endothelial system. It is found in many organs and tissues, including connective tissue, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, liver and central nervous system. Free macrophages move between cells and, using their scavenger properties, gather at infection sites to remove foreign bodies, including bacteria.

A monocyte that has left the circulation and settled and matured in a tissue. Macrophages are found in large quantities in the spleen, lymph nodes, alveoli, and tonsils. About 50% of all macrophages are found in the liver as Kupffer cells. They are also present in the brain as microglia, in the skin as Langerhans cells, in bone as osteoclasts, as well as in serous cavities and breast and placental tissue. Along with neutrophils, macrophages are the major phagocytic cells of the immune system. They have the ability to recognize and ingest foreign antigens through receptors on the surface of their cell membranes; these antigens are then destroyed by lysosomes. Their placement in the peripheral lymphoid tissues enables macrophages to serve as the major scavengers of the blood, clearing it of abnormal or old cells and cellular debris as well as pathogenic organisms.

A white blood cell with scavenger characteristics that has the ability to ingest and destroy foreign substances such as bacteria and cell debris.

Monocytes of the innate immune system that become enlarged upon leaving the bloodstream and entering bodily tissue.

Large cells that can surround and digest foreign substances such as bacteria in the body. They are found in the liver, spleen, and loose connective tissue.

Within the realm of immunology, a remarkable entity exists, characterized by its size and crucial role in the defense against pathogens. This prominent cell, known as a large white blood cell, predominantly resides within the bloodstream and connective tissue. It possesses a remarkable ability to engulf and devour disease-causing organisms, effectively eliminating them from the body. This captivating cellular function highlights the intricate nature of our immune system’s defense mechanisms and serves as a testament to the relentless battle waged within our bodies to maintain health and vitality.

A macrophage is a cell within the immune system. These large phagocytic cells can consume and eliminate microorganisms and other foreign substances. They are present in many body tissues.