Chapter 4 Cell injury, inflammation and repair/Fig 4.16.jpg

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(A) Phagocytosis and killing of microorganisms. The microorganism is opsonized with antibody or complement. (B) The opsonized particle becomes attached to neutrophil membrane receptors for the opsonin. (C) Engulfment. (D) The opsonized microorganism is internalized into a phagocytic vacuole (phagosome). (E) Fusion of the lysosomes (primary granules) with the phagosome allows the discharge of lysosomal enzymes into the phagolysosome and triggers the respiratory burst which results in bacterial killing. (F) Lysosomal enzymes degrade the dead microorganism (G).