Monotsüüdid

Monotsüüdid are a type of white blood cell, also known as leukocytes, that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are the largest type of leukocyte and are produced in the bone marrow. Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream for a short period 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 identification markers on its cell surface. They are also important for initiating adaptive immune responses by presenting antigens to T cells. Dendritic cells are primarily antigen-presenting cells, also crucial for activating T cells and initiating adaptive immunity.

The presence and number of monocytes can be indicative of various health conditions. An elevated monocyte count, known as monocytosis, can be a sign of chronic inflammation, infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), autoimmune diseases, or certain types of cancer. Conversely, a low monocyte count, or monocytopenia, is less common but can be associated with certain bone marrow disorders or severe infections. Monocytes are essential for both innate and adaptive immunity, acting as a bridge between the two systems.