MACROPHAGOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A macrophagocyte is a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system's defense mechanisms. Derived from the monocyte lineage, macrophagocytes are characterized by their ability to engulf and digest foreign substances, such as bacteria, parasites, dead cells, and cellular debris, through a process known as phagocytosis. This critical function allows macrophagocytes to eliminate harmful pathogens and maintain tissue homeostasis.
Macrophagocytes are distributed throughout various tissues and organs in the body, including the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and lungs. In these locations, they act as sentinels, constantly surveying their surroundings for any signs of infection or tissue damage. When a threat is detected, macrophagocytes migrate to the affected area and initiate an immune response.
Apart from their phagocytic properties, macrophagocytes also have the ability to secrete a wide range of molecules with immune modulatory functions, such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. These secreted molecules play an essential role in regulating inflammation, activating other immune cells, and promoting tissue repair.
Overall, macrophagocytes are integral components of the immune system and play a vital role in maintaining the body's defense against harmful invaders.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MACROPHAGOCYTE
- nacrophagocyte
- kacrophagocyte
- jacrophagocyte
- mzcrophagocyte
- mscrophagocyte
- mwcrophagocyte
- mqcrophagocyte
- maxrophagocyte
- mavrophagocyte
- mafrophagocyte
- madrophagocyte
- maceophagocyte
- macdophagocyte
- macfophagocyte
- mactophagocyte
- mac5ophagocyte
- mac4ophagocyte
- macriphagocyte
- macrkphagocyte
- macrlphagocyte
Etymology of MACROPHAGOCYTE
The word "macrophagocyte" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "macro" meaning large, and "phago" meaning eat or engulf. "Cyte" comes from the Greek "kytos" which translates to cell. So, "macrophagocyte" essentially means a large cell that engulfs or eats other cells or particles.
