Monocytes

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell, essential for the immune system to function properly. They are large cells, classified as phagocytes, which means they can ingest and destroy foreign substances. Once these monocytes have engulfed a foreign substance, they differentiate into macrophages, cells that play an important role in immunity by releasing cytokines, small molecules that regulate and coordinate the response of the immune system. Monocytes also help the body to clean up and repair damaged tissues. They are found in the bloodstream, and increase in number when the body is fighting an infection.