--- title: "What is the name of the cells in the body that engulf foreign particles like bacteria?" description: "What is the name of the cells in the body that engulf foreign particles like bacteria?" author: "simron shukla" published: 2018-03-01 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/35718/what-is-the-name-of-the-cells-in-the-body-that-engulf-foreign-particles-like-bacteria category: "general science" reading_time: 3 minutes --- # What is the name of the cells in the body that engulf foreign particles like bacteria? ## Answers ### Answer by Subhamay Ganai **The cells in the body that engulf foreign particles like bacteria are called** [**phagocytes**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phagocyte)**.** Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the [immune system](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/300472/ways-to-improve-your-immune-system). They are responsible for identifying, attacking, and eliminating foreign invaders, such as [**bacteria**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/31570/india-has-been-declared-free-from-trachoma-which-is-a-contagious-bacterial-infection-of-which-part-of-human-body) and viruses, from the body. There are several different types of phagocytes, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, which are all part of the body's first line of [defense](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/225759/what-do-criminal-defense-lawyers-handle) against infection. ## Method of killing Phagocytes kill bacteria and other foreign invaders in a process called phagocytosis. When a phagocyte encounters a foreign particle, it extends pseudopodia (false feet) around the particle and engulfs it. The phagocyte then encloses the particle in a membrane-bound vesicle called a phagosome. The phagosome then moves to the center of the cell and fuses with a lysosome, which is a vesicle that contains enzymes that can break down the engulfed particle. The enzymes in the lysosome digest the particle and kill it, and the waste [products](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2358/apple-will-use-us-made-semiconductors-in-its-products-to-lessen-its-dependency-on-asia) are then expelled from the cell. This process is an essential part of the body's immune response and helps to keep us healthy by eliminating harmful foreign invaders. ## Here are some additional points about the process of phagocytosis: ![What is the name of the cells in the body that engulf foreign particles like bacteria?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/5421cc62-8e79-4e6f-ba38-d240043acd87/images/7f0db670-4c20-478f-9586-680cbcf56842.jpg) - Phagocytosis is a key process in the immune system that helps to protect the body from infection and disease. - Phagocytes are able to recognize and target foreign particles through a variety of mechanisms, including the use of receptors on their [surface](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/907/how-to-surface-a-value-for-more-than-one-row-in-mysql) that bind to specific molecules found on the surface of bacteria and other pathogens. - Once a phagocyte has engulfed a particle, it can kill the particle in a number of ways. For example, the lysosome may [release](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2274/google-releases-an-update-to-chrome-os-107-that-includes-a-save-desk-for-later-option) enzymes that break down the particle's cell wall or other structural [components](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/604/what-are-the-components-of-struts), or the phagocyte may produce **reactive oxygen species (ROS)** or other toxic substances that kill the particle. - The phagocyte also releases chemical signals called cytokines, which help to attract other immune cells to the site of infection and coordinate the immune response. - In addition to eliminating foreign particles, phagocytes also play a role in removing damaged or dead cells from the [**body**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98392/what-is-the-longest-bone-in-the-body). This helps to prevent the accumulation of debris and maintains tissue homeostasis. - Phagocytosis is an energy-intensive process that requires the phagocyte to consume oxygen and glucose. As a result, phagocytes are highly metabolically active cells that are capable of producing large amounts of ATP (the energy [currency](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2105/rbi-has-released-a-concept-note-on-central-bank-digital-currency-and-digital-rupee) of cells) through the process of cellular respiration. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/35718/what-is-the-name-of-the-cells-in-the-body-that-engulf-foreign-particles-like-bacteria Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.