fagotsüütideks

The term "fagotsüütideks" is the plural form in Estonian for a fagocyte. Fagocytes are a type of cell within the immune system that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, pathogenic microorganisms, cancer cells, and anything else that does not have the type of proteins specific to the surface of healthy body cells. They are crucial in the innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Fagocytes can be found in various tissues and organs throughout the body, including the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen. They play a vital role in both immediate and long-term immunity. Some fagocytes are highly specialized, while others are more general in their function. The process of engulfment is called phagocytosis, which is derived from the Greek words "phagein" meaning "to eat" and "kytos" meaning "cell".

There are several types of fagocytes, with the most prominent being macrophages and neutrophils. Macrophages are found in tissues and are involved in both phagocytosis and antigen presentation, a process that helps activate other immune cells. Neutrophils are abundant in the blood and are often the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation. They are short-lived but highly effective at destroying bacteria. The activity of fagocytes is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and protecting the body from disease.