A phagocyte is a cell that ingests and destroys foreign matter such as microorganisms or debris by a process known as phagocytosis.

Types of Phagocytes

There are two main categories of phagocytes: ^[1]

• macrophages (and monocytes)
• microphages, such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (primarily neutrophil granulocyte the first type of phagocyte to migrate to sites of injury and fight bacteria by releasing cytotoxic granules and by phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is an active process in wound healing.