Microphagocyte

Microphagocyte is a term sometimes used to refer to phagocytic cells that are relatively small in size. In the context of the immune system, this term most commonly describes neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are abundant in the bloodstream and are among the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation. They are characterized by their segmented nucleus and granular cytoplasm, which contains enzymes and antimicrobial substances. Microphagocytes, particularly neutrophils, play a crucial role in innate immunity by engulfing and destroying pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, through a process called phagocytosis. They can also release antimicrobial molecules to kill pathogens extracellularly. While neutrophils are the primary microphagocytes, other small phagocytic cells might be included under this classification depending on the specific biological context. The term emphasizes the cellular size in contrast to larger phagocytic cells like macrophages and monocytes.