Phagophilia

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Phagophilia

Phagophilia (pronounced: fag-o-fil-ia) is a medical term that refers to the attraction or affinity of certain cells or organisms towards particles that can be engulfed or consumed. This term is often used in the field of microbiology and immunology to describe the behavior of certain cells, such as macrophages, which are known for their phagocytic abilities.

Etymology

The term Phagophilia is derived from the Greek words "phagein" which means "to eat" and "philia" which means "love for". Thus, the term literally translates to "love for eating".

Related Terms

  • Phagocytosis: This is the process by which cells engulf particles to form an internal compartment known as a phagosome. Phagocytosis is a crucial mechanism used by the immune system to remove pathogens and cell debris.
  • Phagocyte: These are cells that have the ability to engulf and absorb bacteria, dead tissue, or other small particles. They play a crucial role in the immune response.
  • Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells in a process called phagocytosis.
  • Phagolysosome: This is a cytoplasmic body formed by the fusion of a phagosome with a lysosome. It is in the phagolysosome that ingested particles are broken down and destroyed.
  • Phagosome: A vesicle formed around a particle engulfed by a phagocyte via phagocytosis. Professional phagocytes include macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.

See Also

External links

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