neutrofíla

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are the most abundant type of granulocyte and are among the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation. Their primary function is to phagocytose and destroy invading microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

Neutrophils are characterized by their multi-lobed nucleus and the presence of granular cytoplasm. These granules contain a variety of enzymes and antimicrobial substances that are released upon activation. Once a neutrophil encounters a pathogen, it can engulf it through a process called phagocytosis. The engulfed pathogen is then enclosed within a vesicle called a phagosome, which fuses with lysosomes containing digestive enzymes.

Neutrophils are also involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can directly kill pathogens. They can release these toxic molecules into the extracellular environment, contributing to the clearance of infection. Furthermore, neutrophils can contribute to inflammation by releasing cytokines and chemokines that attract other immune cells to the site of infection.

The production of neutrophils, a process called neutrophiesis, occurs in the bone marrow. Their lifespan is relatively short, typically only a few days. When neutrophils have completed their task or are no longer needed, they undergo programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and are cleared by macrophages. An elevated neutrophil count in the blood, known as neutrophilia, can be indicative of infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions, while a decreased count, neutrophopenia, can compromise the body's ability to fight infection.