General Anatomy · Immune System · Medium

Macrophage

Meaning: A large white cell in tissues that engulfs and digests microbes, debris and dead cells.

In practice: Each alveolar macrophage patrols the lungs, clearing inhaled dust and bacteria.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: The front part of the hip bone; the two sides meet at the midline in front of the bladder.

Which word means: A fat cell, specialised for storing energy as fat.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.