C O N T E N T SDescriptionMacrophages (Greek: "big eaters", makros = long, phagein = eat) are white blood cells, more specifically phagocytes, acting in the nonspecific defense as well as the specific defense system of vertebrate animals. Their role is to phagocytize cellular debris and pathogens, either as stationary or mobile cells.
DiscussionLike phagocytes, they engulf foreign matter, but they are larger than phagocytes and have a longer lifespan. They are found throughout the body, but mainly in the lymph and connective tissues, and especially the lungs, where they ingest dust, fibres, and other inhaled particles. Links |
