PHAGOCYTES Meaning and
Definition
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Phagocytes are specialized immune cells that play a crucial role in defending the body against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and dead or dying cells. Derived from the Greek word "phago," meaning "to eat," and "cyte," meaning "cell," phagocytes are responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign particles that may pose a threat to the body's health.
There are several types of phagocytes in the body, including neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Neutrophils are the most abundant type and are typically the first cells to arrive at an infection site. Macrophages are cells present in body tissues and act as scavengers, engulfing pathogens, cellular debris, and other harmful substances. Dendritic cells capture foreign substances and present them to the immune system, aiding in the recognition of antigens and the activation of other immune cells.
Phagocytosis, the process by which phagocytes engulf and destroy foreign particles, involves the formation of pseudopods, which are projections of the cell membrane that engulf the particle. Once inside the phagocyte, the particle is contained within a specialized compartment called a phagosome. The phagosome then fuses with lysosomes, forming a phagolysosome, where the particle is broken down through the action of enzymes and eventually destroyed.
Overall, phagocytes are essential components of the immune system, contributing to the body's defense against microbial infections and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for PHAGOCYTES
Etymology of PHAGOCYTES
The word "phagocyte" derives from the Greek terms "phagein" meaning "to eat" and "kytos" meaning "cell". The word was coined by Russian biologist Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov in the late 19th century. Mechnikov observed specialized cells that had the ability to engulf and digest harmful organisms, such as bacteria and other pathogens. These cells were named "phagocytes" to reflect their function of "eating cells" or cells that consume foreign particles.
Similar spelling words for PHAGOCYTES
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