What are monocytes?
Q: What are monocytes?
A: Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that are part of the body's immune system.
Q: How can monocytes be identified?
A: Monocytes can be identified in stained smears by their large two-lobed nuclei.
Q: What do monocytes turn into?
A: Monocytes turn into macrophages and immune helper cells called dendritic cells.
Q: What are the two speeds at which monocytes work in the immune system?
A: Monocytes work at two speeds in the immune system: to gradually replenish resident macrophages and dendritic cells under normal conditions, and to move quickly (~8-12 hours) to infected tissue in response to inflammation signals.
Q: What do monocytes do when they reach infected tissue?
A: When they reach infected tissue, monocytes divide and differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to cause an immune response.
Q: Where are half of all monocytes stored?
A: Half of all monocytes are stored as a reserve in the spleen.
Q: Where are the remaining monocytes found?
A: The remaining monocytes are circulating or in tissues.
