Phagocytosis

• What are phagocytes?

  White blood cells produced in bone marrow
• Where are phagocytes stored before distribution?

  In the bone marrow
• What is the primary function of phagocytes?

  Removing dead cells and microorganisms
• What type of immune response do phagocytes carry out?

  Non-specific immune response
• What are the three main types of phagocytes?

  • Neutrophils
  • Macrophages
  • Dendritic cells
• What process do all phagocytes carry out?

  Phagocytosis
• How do neutrophils leave the blood?

  By squeezing through capillary walls
• What is the appearance of neutrophils in blood smears?

  They have a lobed nucleus
• What attracts neutrophils to pathogens?

  Chemicals released by pathogens and body cells
• What happens when neutrophils attach to a pathogen?

  Their membrane engulfs the pathogen
• What is the role of lysosomes in neutrophils?

  To release digestive enzymes into vacuoles
• What is a sign of dead neutrophils?

  Pus
• How do macrophages differ from neutrophils in terms of lifespan?

  Macrophages are long-lived cells
• What is the role of macrophages in the immune response?

  They initiate the specific immune response
• What do macrophages display on their surface after phagocytosis?

  Antigens as part of MHC