macrophage
immune cell
[C] Countable
pl: macrophages
This term evokes the image of a biological scavenger or a cellular vacuum cleaner. It carries a connotation of protection and sanitation, acting as the first line of defense in the innate immune system to clear out waste and invaders.
In a clinical or scientific context, the word suggests a dynamic, predatory behavior on a microscopic scale. It differs from other leukocytes by its sheer size and its ability to present antigens to other immune cells, bridging the gap between general and specific immune responses.
Used to count individual cells under a microscope or within a tissue sample.
Meanings
Examples
The macrophage identified the bacterium and began the process of engulfment.
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Related Words
leukocytemonocytephagocytewhite blood cellimmune systemphagocytosisinflammationcytokinechemokineinterleukinlymphocyteneutrophileosinophilbasophilantigenantibodypathogenbacteriumvirusfungusdebrisengulfmentdigestionlysosomeperoxisomevacuolecytoplasmmembranereceptorligandcomplementopsoninhistamineprostaglandinleukotrieneapoptosisnecrosisgranulomamicrogliaosteoclasthistiocytelymph nodespleenbone marrowbloodstreamtissueinterstitiumchemotaxisphagosomephagolysosomeenzymeproteaseoxidantsuperoxidenitric oxideimmunityhomeostasishealingscarringfibrosisinfectionsepsisinnate immunityadaptive immunityantigen presentationdendritic cell