Difference between monocytes and macrophages

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

 

 

Let me share with you a difference between monocytes and macrophages.

Aspect Monocytes Macrophages
Introduction A type of white blood cell (leukocyte) A type of immune cell derived from monocytes
Production Produced in the bone marrow Monocytes migrate to various tissues and differentiate into macrophages
Circulation Circulate in the bloodstream as part of white blood cells Found in tissues, organs and lymphoid structures
Nucleus Large, kidney-shaped or oval nucleus Large, irregular-shaped nucleus
Antigen Presentation Limited role in antigen presentation Important in antigen presentation to activate T cells and initiate immune responses
Presence Present in the bloodstream and can migrate into tissues Present in various tissues, where they perform tissue-specific functions
Maturation Time Have a relatively short lifespan in circulation of about 1-3 days Can have a longer lifespan, ranging from several weeks to months, depending on the tissue environment
Examples

 

·        Monocytes

 

·        Alveolar macrophages

·        Kupffer cells

·        Microglia

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