Phagocyte: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
phagocyte
[ หfeษชgษหsaษชt ]
biology, immune system
A phagocyte is a type of immune cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens. They play a crucial role in the immune response by identifying, engulfing, and destroying harmful organisms and particles. Phagocytes include various cell types, notably macrophages and neutrophils, which are essential in protecting the body from infections. Their ability to move towards sites of infection and inflammation makes them critical for maintaining health.
Synonyms
immune cell, macrophage, neutrophil
Examples of usage
- Phagocytes engulf bacteria during an infection.
- The presence of phagocytes indicates an immune response.
- Macrophages are a type of phagocyte that helps in wound healing.
Translations
Translations of the word "phagocyte" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fagรณcito
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเฅเคเฅเคธเคพเคฏเค
๐ฉ๐ช Phagozyt
๐ฎ๐ฉ fagosit
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฐะณะพัะธั
๐ต๐ฑ fagocyt
๐ฏ๐ต ใใกใดใตใคใ
๐ซ๐ท phagocyte
๐ช๐ธ fagocito
๐น๐ท fagosit
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ธํฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจูุนู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ fagocyt
๐ธ๐ฐ fagocyt
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅฌ็ป่
๐ธ๐ฎ fagocit
๐ฎ๐ธ fagocyt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐะณะพัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแแแชแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fagosit
๐ฒ๐ฝ fagocito
Etymology
The term 'phagocyte' derives from the Greek words 'phagein', meaning 'to eat', and 'kytos', meaning 'cell'. It was first coined in the late 19th century during the studies of cellular processes in immunology. The discovery of phagocytes can be traced back to the work of scientists such as รlie Metchnikoff, who observed these cells in starfish larvae and hypothesized their role in the immune defense. This marked a significant advancement in understanding how the body protects itself against disease. Over the years, the study of phagocytes has expanded, revealing their complex roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses and their importance in various medical fields, including immunotherapy and infectious diseases.