Phagocytes are cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.
They destroy microbes by phagocytosis.
They form the cellular barrier.
They are responsible for innate immunity.
The three main types of phagocytes are neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages.
Neutrophils: Three main functions of neutrophils: phagocytosis, degranulation, and the release of nuclear material in the form of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
Monocytes: These cells kill the invader and alert other blood cells to help destroy and prevent infection.
Macrophages: It is responsible for detecting, engulfing, and destroying pathogens and apoptotic cells.