Final answer:
The main function of macrophages is to remove foreign substances via phagocytosis. They release cytokines to communicate with other immune cells and interact with T-cells to support the adaptive immune response
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Function of Macrophages
The main function of macrophages is to remove foreign substances from the body. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that serve as a crucial component in the immune system. When they encounter a 'non-self' substance such as bacteria or cellular debris, they initiate phagocytosis, a process where macrophages engulf and digest these foreign particles.
Interaction with the Immune System
During this process, cytokines are released, which are small proteins acting as messengers to recruit other immune cells to the site of infection and activate them. Macrophages also interact with T-cells which is crucial for the adaptive immune response. This interaction typically occurs within lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes.
Inflammation and Immune Response
Inflammation is an immune response that entails swelling, redness, heat, and often pain in the affected tissues. White blood cells, including macrophages, play a key role in this process, as they move to the affected area and perform phagocytosis to clean up the pathogens and debris from damaged cells. Fever, which can occur during infections, is a sign that the body's immune system is actively fighting an infection.