Macrophages are white blood cells that locate and phagocytize (eat) bacteria, viruses and dead or injured body cells. They also play a role in alerting the rest of the immune system to the presence of invaders. Macrophages arise from monocytes which are a type of white blood cells. When the monocytes leave the blood they become macrophages.
Inflammation and fever are nonspecific immune system reactions.
Inflammation and fever are nonspecific immune system reactions.
The body is made up of a specific defense system and nonspecific defense system. The nonspecific defense system is made up of inflammation, fevers, etc. The immune system is part of the specific defense system. This is because the lysosomes in this system bind to specific antigens and have a certain role to carry out. Therefore, there aren't nonspecific defenses in the immune system.
Fever
Fever
Inflammation
Antibodies do not play a role in the nonspecific immune response; they are part of the specific immune response, which targets specific pathogens. The nonspecific immune response relies on physical barriers (like skin), phagocytic cells, and other general defenses that act against a wide range of invaders without specificity. Substances like cytokines and complement proteins do contribute to the nonspecific immune response by enhancing inflammation and promoting the destruction of pathogens.
A macrophage is the type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills invading cells.
In the context of macrophages, non-self substances such as pathogens are recognized and engulfed through a process called phagocytosis. During this process, the macrophage membrane extends around the pathogen, and the resulting phagosome is formed. The part of the non-self substance that is inserted into the macrophage membrane typically involves the pathogen's antigens, which can be presented on the macrophage surface for recognition by other immune cells. This antigen presentation is crucial for activating adaptive immune responses.
A high macrophage count can be caused by various factors, including chronic inflammation, infection, and tissue injury. In response to pathogens or damaged tissues, the body signals for increased macrophage recruitment to help with immune defense and repair processes. Additionally, certain diseases, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders, can lead to an elevated macrophage presence as part of the altered immune response. Environmental factors, like exposure to pollutants, may also contribute to increased macrophage activity.
The body is made up of a specific defense system and nonspecific defense system. The nonspecific defense system is made up of inflammation, fevers, etc. The immune system is part of the specific defense system. This is because the lysosomes in this system bind to specific antigens and have a certain role to carry out. Therefore, there aren't nonspecific defenses in the immune system.
macrophages can be considered one of the many "defenses" that work to help protect our immune system. they do have a special role. they engage in phagocytosis which is the process in which a macrophage engulfs cellular debris or dead cellular material and pathogens. the material goes into the internal part of the macrophage (vacuole) it then travel to the lysosomes where the waste is broken down and it then the reduced material is released extracellularly or intracellulary. in the case of a pathogen a macrophage will present an antigen for the particular pathogen in order for the immune system to identify it. each antigen has a specific helper T cell for each pathogen.