Word parts
What it means
Cells called phagocytes, mainly neutrophils and macrophages, wrap around a germ, pull it inside and break it down. It is one of the body's first defenses against infection and a key step in inflammationin-fluh-MAY-shunThe body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.Full entry and wound healing.
At a glance
| Spanish | fagocitosis |
|---|---|
| Also written | phagocytic |
Related terms
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.
cyt/o
A word part that means cell.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.