Final answer:
The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), also known as the reticuloendothelial system (RES), is a network of cells involved in phagocytosis and immune responses. It includes monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. They play a key role in removing foreign pathogens and promoting immune responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), also known as the reticuloendothelial system (RES), is a network of cells involved in phagocytosis and immune responses. It includes monocytes, which circulate in the blood, and tissue-specific macrophages and dendritic cells that differentiate from monocytes and reside in body tissues.
The MPS plays a crucial role in removing foreign pathogens, cellular debris, and worn-out cells from the body. Macrophages, a type of phagocyte, phagocytize these materials and release antimicrobial substances and chemical signals that attract other immune cells to the site of infection.
The MPS is an important component of the immune system and contributes to both innate and adaptive immune responses.