macrophages
Immune system scavengers
Macrophages are large white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris, pathogens, and foreign substances.
The name means "big eaters," which describes their function—they consume bacteria, dead cells, and other material that doesn't belong.
Macrophages play a central role in immune response, both attacking invaders directly and signaling other immune cells to respond.
They're found throughout the body's tissues, where they act as first responders to infection.
Of tooth sockets
- microgliaCNS immune cells
- osteoclastsBone-resorbing cells
- peritonealOf the abdominal lining
- splenicRelating to the spleen
foam cells · Langerhans cells · bone marrow · intestinal · cardiac · dermal · pleural · synovial
Inherited pathogen defense system
- MHC class IIPeptide-presenting surface proteins
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- toll-like receptorsInnate immune pattern sensors
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
cytotoxicity · monocytes · hematopoiesis · differentiation · polarization · plasticity
Immune signaling proteins
- interleukinsImmune cell signaling proteins
- prostaglandinsLipid-derived signaling compounds
- nitric oxideReactive nitrogen-oxygen compound
- recruitmentSeeking new personnel
activation · pro-inflammatory · chronic inflammation · acute inflammation · swelling · tissue damage · fever
Restoration after injury
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- growth factorsProteins stimulating cell proliferation
- angiogenesisFormation of new vessels
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
remodeling · scar formation · regeneration · resolution · proliferation · restoration
Complete surrounding and absorption
- lysosomeDigestive organelle in cells
- digestionBodily food breakdown
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- debrisScattered broken fragments
receptor-mediated · complement · bacteria · pathogens · microorganisms · particles · detritus · degradation
alveolar
Of tooth sockets
- microgliaCNS immune cells
- osteoclastsBone-resorbing cells
- peritonealOf the abdominal lining
splenic · foam cells · Langerhans cells · bone marrow · intestinal · cardiac · dermal · pleural · synovial
innate immunity
Inherited pathogen defense system
- MHC class IIPeptide-presenting surface proteins
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- toll-like receptorsInnate immune pattern sensors
pattern recognition · cytotoxicity · monocytes · hematopoiesis · differentiation · polarization · plasticity
cytokines
Immune signaling proteins
- interleukinsImmune cell signaling proteins
- prostaglandinsLipid-derived signaling compounds
- nitric oxideReactive nitrogen-oxygen compound
recruitment · activation · pro-inflammatory · chronic inflammation · acute inflammation · swelling · tissue damage · fever
wound healing
Restoration after injury
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- growth factorsProteins stimulating cell proliferation
- angiogenesisFormation of new vessels
anti-inflammatory · remodeling · scar formation · regeneration · resolution · proliferation · restoration
engulfment
Complete surrounding and absorption
- lysosomeDigestive organelle in cells
- digestionBodily food breakdown
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
debris · receptor-mediated · complement · bacteria · pathogens · microorganisms · particles · detritus · degradation · endocytosis
- cellscells, blood cell, cell theory, nerve cell, red blood cell
- immunityimmune, immunity, immune system, immune response, immune cells
- Blood Componentsred blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets, erythrocytes
- inflammationacute inflammation, chronic inflammation, pain, heat, swelling
- cytologycytology, Pap test, cell division, cytoplasm, chromosome
- immunologyimmune system, immune response, antibodies, antigens, immunity
macrophagespathogens
Disease-causing microorganisms
bacteria · infectious agents · viruses · parasites · foreign bodies