Macrophage facts for kids
a. A macrophage swallows a germ (pathogen) to form a bubble called a phagosome.
b. Special sacs called lysosomes join the phagosome, and enzymes break down the germ.
c. Leftover waste is pushed out of the cell.
Parts:
1. Pathogens (germs)
2. Phagosome (the bubble)
3. Lysosomes (sacs with enzymes)
4. Waste material
5. Cytoplasm (inside the cell)
6. Cell membrane (outer layer of the cell)
Macrophages are special white blood cells found in your body's tissues. Think of them as tiny "clean-up crews" or "guard cells." They are a very important part of your immune system, which protects you from sickness.
Macrophages and their close relatives, called monocytes, are types of phagocytes. This means they protect your body by literally "eating" harmful things. They gobble up bacteria, viruses, and even dead or dying cells. By doing this, they help fight infections and keep your body healthy.
Life Cycle of a Macrophage
Macrophages start their lives as smaller cells called monocytes. These monocytes are made in your bone marrow and travel through your blood vessels.
When there's an injury or an infection in a tissue, special chemical signals are sent out. These signals attract monocytes to the damaged area. Once a monocyte leaves the bloodstream and enters the tissue, it changes and grows into a macrophage.
Unlike some other white blood cells, like neutrophils, which only live for a short time, macrophages can survive for several months in your body. This long lifespan allows them to keep protecting your tissues for a long time.
Images for kids
-
A melanophage, a type of macrophage that has eaten pigment.
-
A drawing of a macrophage, showing how it looks when stained with giemsa dye.
-
A close-up view of a melanophage under a microscope.
See also
In Spanish: Macrófago para niños
