What are macrophages and his their job?

Macrophages are a type of immune cell that play a crucial role in the body's defense system. They originate from monocytes and are found in various tissues throughout the body. Their primary functions include engulfing and digesting pathogens, dead cells, and debris through a process called phagocytosis, as well as orchestrating the immune response by releasing cytokines and presenting antigens to other immune cells. This makes them essential for both innate and adaptive immunity.