Monocytes & macrophages simplified

"Monocytes are the late-comers but they are here to stay. This everyday cell moving in blood transforms into a larger phagocytic cell in extra vascular tissue, the macrophage."
Monocyte



What you need to know about this warrior -

What does a monocyte look like?
It has a kidney shaped nucleus.
It has abundant pale blue agranular cytoplasm.
Does that mean no granules? @_@
Yes, no granules.

What is the function of a monocyte?
By a process called chemotaxis, they reach extravascular tissue within 48 hours inflammatory process. They recognize and eat up just like neutrophils.
They transform into a bigger cell, the macrophage, in extravascular tissue.
Macrophages have the potential of being activated, a process that increases cell size, levels of lysosomal enzymes, active metabolism & ability to phagocytose (which makes them a bad ass killing machine).
In short lived inflammation, macrophages eventually disappear. However, in chronic inflammation, macrophage accumulation persists.

What is the normal monocyte count?
1% to 6%

Test yourself:
Which mediator transforms epitheloid macrophages into giant cells during granulomatous inflammation?

Answer here.

That's all!
Wanna reblog? Here's the link to the tumblr post.
-IkaN