Cells with remarkable ability of phagocytosis.
Phagocytes are divided into two groups: polymorphonuclear phagocytes and mononuclear phagocytes. The latter are macrophages, monocytes, promonocytes, and their precursors in the bone marrow.
Monocytic-macrophagocytic system has a significant function in the organism - it eliminates antigens, presents antigen to lymphocytes, and secretes the factors stimulating lymphocytes to react more powerfully.
Macrophage is a cell of various shapes, round or kidney-shaped nucleus, with numerous cytoplasmatic inclusions and irregular surface with a lot of folds and protuberances. |
