Macrophage: meaning, definitions and examples
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macrophage
[ ˈmækroʊfeɪdʒ ]
cell biology
A macrophage is a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, and pathogens. They play a crucial role in the immune system, acting as scavengers that help to maintain homeostasis and initiate the healing process.
Synonyms
immune cell, phagocyte, white blood cell
Examples of usage
- Macrophages help in wound healing.
- The body relies on macrophages to fight infection.
- Macrophages can present antigens to T cells.
Translations
Translations of the word "macrophage" in other languages:
🇵🇹 macrófago
🇮🇳 मैक्रोफेज
🇩🇪 Makrophage
🇮🇩 makrofag
🇺🇦 макрофаг
🇵🇱 makrofag
🇯🇵 マクロファージ
🇫🇷 macrophage
🇪🇸 macrófago
🇹🇷 makrofaj
🇰🇷 대식세포
🇸🇦 بلازما كبيرة
🇨🇿 makrofág
🇸🇰 makrofág
🇨🇳 巨噬细胞
🇸🇮 makrofag
🇮🇸 stórfrumu
🇰🇿 макрофаг
🇬🇪 მაკროფაგი
🇦🇿 makrofag
🇲🇽 macrófago
Etymology
The term 'macrophage' comes from the Greek words 'makros' meaning 'large' and 'phagein' meaning 'to eat', which reflects the cell's ability to engulf other cells and particles. The concept of macrophages as important components of the immune system was developed in the early 20th century, with significant contributions from scientists such as Elie Metchnikoff, who first described the phenomenon of phagocytosis. Over time, research has expanded our understanding of macrophages, revealing their roles in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, tissue repair, and immune response modulation.