Monocíticos

Monocíticos refers to a category of white blood cells known as monocytes. Monocytes are the largest type of white blood cell and play a crucial role in the immune system. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream before migrating into tissues where they differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells. Macrophages are phagocytic cells, meaning they engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and anything else that does not have the proper cell surface proteins of the body. Dendritic cells are primarily involved in antigen presentation, initiating adaptive immune responses by presenting processed antigens to T cells. The presence and number of monocíticos cells in the blood are often monitored as part of a complete blood count (CBC), with elevated levels, known as monocytosis, potentially indicating infection, inflammation, or certain types of leukemia. Conversely, a low count, called monocytopenia, can be associated with bone marrow disorders or the use of certain medications. Their role is vital in both innate and adaptive immunity.