Fagosytoitujen

Fagosytoitujen refers to cells or particles that have been engulfed by a process called phagocytosis. Phagocytosis, meaning "cell eating," is a vital cellular mechanism where a cell membrane extends to surround and internalize large particles or other cells. This process is a form of endocytosis.

The primary players in phagocytosis are phagocytes, a type of white blood cell. These include neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells, which are crucial components of the innate immune system. Their main role is to identify, engulf, and destroy pathogens, cellular debris, and foreign substances. When a phagocyte encounters a target particle, it extends pseudopods, which are temporary projections of the cell membrane, to surround the particle. This forms a membrane-bound vesicle within the phagocyte called a phagosome.

Once the phagosome is formed, it fuses with lysosomes, which are organelles containing digestive enzymes and toxic substances. This fusion creates a phagolysosome, where the engulfed material is broken down and neutralized. The resulting waste products are then expelled from the cell. Phagocytosis is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis, clearing dead or damaged cells, and initiating adaptive immune responses by presenting antigens from engulfed pathogens. The term "fagosytoitujen" specifically denotes the entities that have undergone this engulfment process.