Phagocytes are cells found in
the bloodstream and protect the body by ingesting and destroying foreign cells. These
include, bacteria, dead or dying cells and other invading cells. They are part of the
immune system. Chemical signals from invading cells are released and receptors
on phagocytes detect these cells which are not "self" and they then proceed to engulf
and destroy those
cells.
Lymphocytes are part of
the immune system. There are three types, T cells, B cells and Natural Killer cells.
Natural killer cells are able to recognize and destroy altered cells as in tumor cells
or cells that have been infected by viruses. B cells manufacture antibodies which
neutralize bacteria and viruses. T cells are of two kinds. Helper T cells produce
cytokines that direct the immune response. And other T cells produce granules that cause
infected cells to die. Both B and T cells are involved in the production of memory
cells. These provide long lasting immunity to the specific pathogen or
germ.
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