What are macrophages, and what are their functions?

What will be an ideal response?


Macrophages are one of the principal phagocytic cells in the second line of defense. They are monocytes that have left the bloodstream and entered tissues. They are named according to their location in the body: wandering macrophages, alveolar macrophages (in the lungs), microglia (in the nervous system), and others. These phagocytes provide some protection against infection by phagocytizing microbes and are scavengers that clean the tissues of dead cells, debris, and inert foreign material (dust, etc). Macrophages also play a role in triggering acute inflammation by releasing various inflammatory chemicals when microbes are detected by means of TLRs (extracellular molecules) and NODs (intracellular molecules resulting from phagocytosis).

Biology & Microbiology

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The correct sequence of stages in mitosis is

(a) interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. (b) prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. (c) metaphase, anaphase, prophase, telophase. (d) prophase, telophase, anaphase, interphase.

Biology & Microbiology

Which birth control method prevents sperm from exiting the male’s body?

a. rhythm method b. withdrawal c. vasectomy d. tubal ligation e. condom

Biology & Microbiology

________ are the main cell type within connective tissue in all but one situation

a. Macrophages b. Cuboidal cells c. Fibroblasts d. Collagen fibers e. Squamous cells

Biology & Microbiology

The genetic information in viruses

A. is single-stranded DNA. B. is single-stranded RNA. C. can be DNA or RNA, and single- or double stranded. D. is double-stranded RNA. E. is double-stranded DNA.

Biology & Microbiology