Chapter 15, Problem 1aCP

List the phagocytic cells found in blood and lymph, and indicate which organs contain fixed phagocytes.

Summary Introduction

To review:

The phagocytic cells found in blood and lymph and the organs containing fixed phagocytes.

Introduction:

The immune system of the body includes various organs which are involved in protecting the body from foreign agents or pathogens (disease causing organisms). The immunity in the body can be innate or adapted (specific). These two act as a protective barrier to eliminate the pathogens from the body, hence, protecting it from infections.

Explanation of Solution

The innate or inherited immunity is nonspecific in nature. It provides the primary defense mechanism to the body against all type of pathogens. There are different forms of innate immunity with respect to their functions such as phagocytic cells provide protection by destroying the pathogen by ingesting the harmful foreign bodies, debris, proteins and so on. The list below shows phagocytic cells found in blood and lymph:

Neutrophils

Monocytes

Kupffer cells

Alveolar macrophages

Histocytes (tissue macrophages)

The Kupffer cells are found in the liver and alveolar macrophages in lungs. The neutrophils are present in blood stream and all tissues. The phagocytes destroy the pathogens coming to their ways by digestion with toxins or other ways to protect the body.