Phases of phagocytosis

  1. Arrival of phagocytes in the infected area (Infection): Chemicals such as histamine, kinin, prostaglandin are produced in the infected area of ​​the body. Due to these chemicals, phagocyte cells (macrophages and neutrophils) are stimulated and accumulate at the wound site. This process is called chemotaxis.
  2. Adherence to microbes: Phagocyte cell membrane contains receptor material. Phagocytes attach to microbes with the help of receptor substances.
  3. Germ eating (Ingestion): Phagocytes surround the germs by making passageways. The cavity formed in it is called phagosome. Phagocytes ingest microbes by forming phagosomes.
  4. Formation of phagolysosome (Phagolysome): Phagosomes are located individually in the cytoplasm of the cell. Lysosomes fuse with phagosomes to form sac-like structures. It is called phagolysosome.
  5. Bacterial death and digestion (Killing): Inside the phagolysosome, the lysosome secretes bactericidal proteolytic enzymes. This enzyme destroys bacteria. Bacteria die within 10-30 minutes of ingestion.
  6. Discharge: After destroying the bacteria, the neutrophils die and are released as pus. Macrophages destroy new bacteria by releasing toxic and indigestible parts.

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