Question

What is the main function of monocytes in the body?

Answer 1

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that has migratory tissue and are converted into sophisticated macrophages that serve as a protective mechanism for the body. Macrophages are the primary feature of monocytes.

Complete answer:
Monocytes are the largest cells in the blood (averaging 15 to 18 μm in diameter) and contribute about 7% of leukocytes. The nucleus is relatively large and tends to be serrated or folded rather than multi-lobed Monocytes are leukocytes derived from the bone marrow that circulate in the blood and spleen. They are characterized by their ability, through pattern recognition receptors, to recognize “danger signals.” In response to infection and injury, monocytes may phagocytose and present antigens, secrete chemokines, and proliferate.
Functions:- In the host’s innate immune response against pathogens, monocytes, and macrophages in the lung are key actors.
• Sterile inflammatory processes involved in lung transplantation have been shown to be monocyte and macrophage dependent, including mechanical ventilation, ischemia-reperfusion, and primary graft dysfunction.
• In order to elucidate the position of monocytes and macrophages in the pathogenesis of primary graft dysfunction and lung allograft rejection, further studies are needed.
Points to Remember:
• Monocytes are a type of white blood cell or leukocyte.
• They are the biggest type of leukocyte and can distinguish into dendritic cells of the macrophages and myeloid lineage.
• The mechanism of adaptive immunity is also affected by the monocytes as a part of the vertebrate innate immune system.

Note: Monocyte is a spherical cell with prominent surface ruffles and blebs when scanned by electron microscopy. When the monocyte enters the tissue and differentiates into a macrophage, the volume of the cells and the number of cytoplasmic granules enhance.