Question

What are phagocytes? Explain their role in our immune system.

Answer 1

Phagocytes:

1. Phagocytes are the cells that ingest pathogens that invade our bodies.
2. Example: Neutrophils and macrophages.

Role of phagocytes in the immune system:

1. When a foreign particle (virus, bacteria, or infected cells) comes in contact with phagocytes, they engulf those foreign bodies inside them.
2. After that, it digests those foreign antigens by forming a vesicle-like structure called a phagosome, around those foreign bodies.
3. The process by which phagocytes engulf and destroy the foreign particles is called ‘phagocytosis'.
4. Thus, phagocytes help to kill pathogens and take part in our immune system.