| phagocyte | <cell biology> A cell that is capable of phagocytosis. The main mammalian phagocytes are neutrophils and macrophages. Origin: L. Phagedaena, Gr Phago, To eat. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| phagocyte bactericidal dysfunction | Disorders in which phagocytic cells cannot kill ingested bacteria; characterised by frequent recurring infection with formulation of granulomas. (12 Dec 1998) |
| phagocyte dysfunction | Disorder in which the ability of the phagocyte to engulf and ingest particles may be impaired. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mononuclear phagocyte | <haematology> Monocytes and their differentiated products, macrophages. Mononuclear cells are leucocytes other than polymorphonuclear cells and include lymphocytes. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| mononuclear phagocyte system | A widely distributed collection of both free and fixed macrophages derived from bone marrow precursor cells by way of monocytes; their substantial phagocytic activity is mediated by immunoglobulin and the serum complement system. In both connective and lymphoid tissue, they may occur as free and fixed macrophages; in the sinusoids of the liver, as Kupffer cells; in the lung, as alveolar macrophages; and in the nervous system, as microglia. Synonym: system of macrophages. (05 Mar 2000) |