What do macrophages do with absorbed cell parts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter icakeov
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cell parts
AI Thread Summary
Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune system by engulfing debris, pathogens, and dead cells. Once they absorb this material, they break it down using enzymes. The processed components can either be expelled as waste or assimilated into the body's metabolic processes. This assimilation can contribute to functions such as respiration and protein synthesis, indicating a dual role in both waste management and nutrient recycling. In the case of apoptotic cells, their components can also be reused by neighboring cells rather than being completely flushed out, highlighting the body's ability to recycle cellular materials effectively.
icakeov
Messages
379
Reaction score
27
I was wondering what happens to all the "debris" that is absorbed by macrophages? Do they process them to the waste system or is it possible that they can feed them to the needs of neighboring cells?

Or do these different chemical processes of eating nutrition vs getting rid of waste not mix?

Especially with one's own cells, if a multicellular's own cell dies through apoptosis, can its parts be re-used by the body or are they flushed flushed? Or both?

Thanks for any thoughts.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • Like
Likes icakeov

Thread 'Flesh-eating New World Screwworm re-occurrence in US'

Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in US patient. What to know. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/25/new-world-screwworm-human-case/85813010007/ Exclusive: U.S. confirms nation's first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-confirms-nations-first-travel-associated-human-screwworm-case-connected-2025-08-25/...
View full post »

Thread 'Chagas disease now established in US'

Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S. According to articles in the Los Angeles Times, "Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S.", and "Kissing bugs bring deadly disease to California". LA Times requires a subscription. Related article -...
View full post »

Thread 'I need help understanding this quote about recent Natural Selection'

I am reading Nicholas Wade's book A Troublesome Inheritance. Please let's not make this thread a critique about the merits or demerits of the book. This thread is my attempt to understanding the evidence that Natural Selection in the human genome was recent and regional. On Page 103 of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade writes the following: "The regional nature of selection was first made evident in a genomewide scan undertaken by Jonathan Pritchard, a population geneticist at the...
View full post »

Similar threads

The molecular switch from welcoming to attacking a pathogen?
Replies
6
Views
2K
What is the role of hydroxylapatite in the formose reaction and abiogenesis?
Replies
13
Views
2K
Physics I'm a Medical Physicist. I have nothing to do. I'm going insane!
Replies
2
Views
3K
Where do lymphocytes sleep, and other naive questions
Replies
5
Views
4K
Sea Slug Head Amputates and then Regenerates Body
Replies
4
Views
2K
WaveGrid - Non-equilibrium Emergence Sandbox
Replies
1
Views
2K
Medical Why do we enjoy listening to music?
Replies
13
Views
4K
Writing: Input Wanted Spacecraft One Alpha 10: Energy, Materials & Protection
Replies
2
Views
2K
Time: What is it? How do We Know it?
Replies
3
Views
3K
Ten reasons why HIV could not cause AIDS , from my inbox
Replies
14
Views
16K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top