| Name: | macrophage |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | histiocyte |
| Definition: | A mononuclear phagocyte present in variety of tissues, typically differentiated from monocytes, capable of phagocytosing a variety of extracellular particulate material, including immune complexes, microorganisms, and dead cells. |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0009141] |
| Name: | phagocytosis, engulfment |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | phagosome biosynthesis, phagosome formation |
| Definition: | The internalization of bacteria, immune complexes and other particulate matter or of an apoptotic cell by phagocytosis, including the membrane and cytoskeletal processes required, which involves one of three mechanisms: zippering of pseudopods around a target via repeated receptor-ligand interactions, sinking of the target directly into plasma membrane of the phagocytosing cell, or induced uptake via an enhanced membrane ruffling of the phagocytosing cell similar to macropinocytosis. |
| Ontology: | GO: Biological Process [GO:0006911] QuickGO AmiGO |