Background for phagocytes
BeDict Logo

phagocytes

/ˈfæɡəˌsaɪts/ /ˈfæɡoʊˌsaɪts/

Meanings
noun
A cell of the immune system, such as a neutrophil, macrophage or dendritic cell, that engulfs and destroys viruses, bacteria and waste materials, or in the case of mature dendritic cells; displays antigens from invading pathogens to cells of the lymphoid lineage.

Examples :

"When bacteria enter a cut, phagocytes rush to the area and eat the germs to prevent infection. "
medicine physiology biology organism anatomy disease microorganism science

Related Words

Illustration invading

invading verb

/ɪnˈveɪdɪŋ/

To move into.

"The ants are invading the kitchen in search of food. "

Illustration dendritic

dendritic noun

/dɛndˈɹɪtɪk/

A dendritic cell

"The dendritic cell patrols the body, looking for signs of infection like a diligent security guard. "

Illustration macrophage

macrophage noun

/ˈmækroʊfeɪdʒ/ /ˈmækroʊfɑːʒ/

A white blood cell that phagocytizes necrotic cell debris and foreign material, including viruses, bacteria, and tattoo ink. It presents foreign antigens on MHC II to lymphocytes. Part of the innate immune system.

"The macrophage cleaned up the dead skin cells and bacteria from the infected cut on my arm. "

Illustration pathogens

pathogens noun

/ˈpæθədʒənz/ /ˈpæθəˌdʒɛnz/

Any organism or substance, especially a microorganism, capable of causing disease, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or fungi. Microorganisms are not considered to be pathogenic until they have reached a population size that is large enough to cause disease.

"Washing your hands regularly helps remove pathogens that can make you sick. "

Illustration bacteria

bacteria noun

/bækˈtɪəɹ.ɪ.ə/ /bækˈtɪɹ.i.ə/

A type, species, or strain of bacterium.

"The doctor identified the specific bacteria causing the student's illness. "

Illustration displays

displays noun

/dɪsˈpleɪz/

A show or spectacle.

"The trapeze artist put on an amazing acrobatic display."

Illustration lymphoid

lymphoid adjective

/ˈlɪmfɔɪd/

Relating to, or found within the lymphatic system of the body

"The doctor examined the swollen glands in my neck, suspecting a lymphoid infection. "

Illustration materials

materials noun

/məˈtɪəɹɪəlz/ /məˈtɪɹi.əlz/

Matter which may be shaped or manipulated, particularly in making something.

"Asphalt, composed of oil and sand, is a widely used material for roads."

Illustration destroys

destroys verb

/dɪˈstrɔɪz/ /dəˈstrɔɪz/

To damage beyond use or repair.

"Hooligans destroy unprovoked."

Illustration antigens

antigens noun

/ˈæntɪdʒənz/ /ˈæntaɪdʒənz/

A substance that induces an immune response, usually foreign.

"The pollen in the air acted as antigens, causing many students to develop allergies. "

Illustration neutrophil

neutrophil noun

/ˈnjuːtɹəfɪl/

Such a cell, especially a white blood cell.

"The doctor ordered a blood test to check if my neutrophil count was normal, since a low count could mean I'm more susceptible to infections. "

Illustration infection

infection noun

/ɪnˈfɛkʃən/

The act or process of infecting.

"The infection spread quickly through the classroom after one student got sick. "