scavenger cell

A scavenger cell, also known as a phagocyte or macrophage, is a type of white blood cell that defends the body by engulfing foreign materials like bacteria, dead cells, and other debris. These cells extend their cytoplasm to surround and ingest particles, forming a vacuole where enzymes digest the material.12

Macrophages develop from monocytes in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood before settling in tissues such as the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. They play a crucial role in the immune system by initiating an immune response and making foreign particles recognizable to lymphocytes. While they are effective scavengers, their digestive process is slower than that of granulocytes. Macrophages are also involved in chronic inflammation and can contribute to tissue damage over time.32