Induced phagocytosis is a term used in medical research to describe the process of triggering a particular type of white blood cell, called phagocytes, to attack a foreign invader in the body. This term is spelled phonetically as [ɪnˈdju:st fəˈɡɒsətoʊsɪs]. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "in", with stress on the second syllable "duced". The second word is spelled as it sounds with stress on the first syllable "phag". The last part of the word is pronounced "sətoh-sis". The spelling of this term reflects the complex process it describes.
Induced phagocytosis is a biological process in which cells called phagocytes engulf and destroy foreign particles, such as bacteria, viruses, or dead cells. It is a crucial mechanism of the immune system's defense against pathogens and the removal of cellular debris.
Phagocytes, including macrophages and neutrophils, are specialized cells that can detect and respond to the presence of foreign substances by initiating phagocytosis. Induced phagocytosis refers to the activation or enhancement of this process, typically through the recognition of specific signals or molecules.
Induced phagocytosis can be triggered by various immune components such as antibodies, complement proteins, or cytokines, which function as opsonins. These opsonins bind to the surface of foreign particles, marking them for phagocytic recognition. The binding of opsonins to phagocyte receptors initiates a series of signaling events that culminate in the formation of a phagosome, a membrane-bound vesicle containing the engulfed particle.
Once the phagosome is formed, it fuses with lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes. The digestion of the internalized particle occurs within the phagolysosome, leading to its destruction. The remaining waste products are subsequently eliminated from the cell.
Induced phagocytosis plays a vital role in host defense against infections and the regulation of inflammation. It helps eliminate pathogens and dead cells, preventing the spread of infection and tissue damage. This process also contributes to the shaping of the immune response by presenting processed antigens to other immune cells, such as T cells, which further coordinate the immune reaction.
P. occurring when bacteria subjected to the action of blood-serum are brought in contact with leucocytes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "induced" originates from the Latin word "inducere" meaning "to lead in" or "to bring about". This Latin term is composed of "in" (into) and "ducere" (to lead).
The word "phagocytosis" comes from two Greek roots: "phagein" meaning "to eat" and "kytos" meaning "cell". Thus, "phagocytosis" refers to the process by which a cell engulfs or eats another cell, particle, or microorganism.
Therefore, "induced phagocytosis" refers to the stimulation or induction of the process of phagocytosis, i.e., activating or initiating the cell's ability to engulf and consume foreign substances.