Here's a breakdown:
* Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that engulf and destroy harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
* They do this through a process called phagocytosis.
There are two main types of phagocytes:
* Neutrophils: The most abundant type of white blood cell, they are the first responders to infection and quickly engulf and destroy bacteria.
* Macrophages: Larger and longer-lived than neutrophils, they patrol the body and engulf bacteria, dead cells, and cellular debris. They also play a crucial role in presenting antigens to other immune cells, initiating an immune response.
Let me know if you'd like more detail on the phagocytosis process!