PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Phagocytosis consists in recognition and ingestion of particles larger than 0.5 m into a plasma membrane derived vesicle, known as phagosome. Phagocytes can ingest microbial pathogens, but importantly also apoptotic cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Several types of cells of the immune system perform phagocytosis, such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and B lymphocytes. The act of phagocytizing pathogenic or foreign particles allows cells of the immune system to know what they are fighting against.

Detailed explanation-3: -In general, phagocytes aim to destroy pathogens by engulfing them and subjecting them to a battery of toxic chemicals inside a phagolysosome. If a phagocyte fails to engulf its target, these toxic agents can be released into the environment (an action referred to as “frustrated phagocytosis").

Detailed explanation-4: -Macrophages work as innate immune cells through phagocytosis and sterilization of foreign substances such as bacteria, and play a central role in defending the host from infection.

Detailed explanation-5: -Macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, and osteoclasts are among these dedicated cells. These professional phagocytes express several phagocytic receptors that activate signaling pathways resulting in phagocytosis.