MICROPHAGOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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Microphagocyte (noun):
Definition:
A microphagocyte is a specialized type of cell that is responsible for phagocytosis at a microscopic level. These cells play a crucial role in the immune system's response to various pathogens and foreign substances.
Phagocytosis, the process by which cells engulf and digest solid particles, is an essential defense mechanism against harmful microorganisms and debris. The microphagocytes, also known as microphages, possess the ability to recognize and selectively engulf these foreign particles, assisting in their elimination from the body.
Microphagocytes are found in various tissues and organs throughout the body, including the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. They are derived from different cell lineages, such as macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells.
These specialized cells are equipped with phagocytic receptors on their surface, allowing them to detect and bind to specific antigens present on pathogens, cell debris, or other foreign substances. Upon binding, the microphagocytes extend their cell membrane around the particle, forming a phagosome. This phagosome then fuses with lysosomes, resulting in the degradation and destruction of the engulfed material.
The functions of microphagocytes extend beyond phagocytosis alone. They also participate in antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and modulation of the immune response. These highly versatile cells are crucial for maintaining the body's defense against various pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MICROPHAGOCYTE
- microphagocype
- microphagocyve
- microphagocyue
- microphagocytu
- microphagocytm
- microphagocyta
- microphagocytg
- m icrophagocyte
- mi crophagocyte
- mic rophagocyte
- micr ophagocyte
- microph agocyte
- micropha gocyte
- microphag ocyte
- microphago cyte
- microphagoc yte
- microphagocy te
- microphagocyt e
Etymology of MICROPHAGOCYTE
The word "microphagocyte" consists of two main parts: "micro" and "phagocyte".
The term "micro" is derived from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small" or "tiny". It is often used as a prefix in scientific terminology to indicate something that is very small or microscopic.
The second part, "phagocyte", is also derived from Greek. It comes from the word "phagein", which means "to eat" or "to devour", and "kutos", meaning "cell". In biology, a phagocyte refers to a type of cell that engulfs and destroys foreign particles, microorganisms, or dead cells.
Therefore, the word "microphagocyte" combines these two components, indicating a small cell capable of engulfing and digesting foreign particles or microorganisms.
