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Phagocytes in the body
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Granulocytes
Granulocytes, like macrophages and monocytes, are phagocytes
and thus capable of enveloping and destroying invaders. Also
known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes or polymorphs (because
their nuclei come in "many shapes"), they contain granules
filled with potent chemicals that enable them to digest microorganisms.
Some of these chemicals such as histamine also contribute to
acute inflammatory reactions and are responsible for the symptoms
of allergy (see Allergy). Mast cells are granulocytes found in
tissues, while granulocytes found in the blood include neutrophils,
eosinophils, and basophils. (They are named for the way they
stain in the laboratory Eosinophils, for instance, have an affinity
for acidic dyes such as eosin.)
Complement
The complement system is made up of a series of about 25 proteins
that work to "complement" the activity of antibodies
in destroying bacteria, either by facilitating phagocytosis or
by puncturing the bacterial cell membrane. Complement also helps
to rid the body of antigen-antibody complexes. In carrying out
these tasks, it induces an inflammatory response.
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