The microscopic shape of the macrophage is dependent upon its function: they have a flexible cytoskeleton that makes them ovoid during transit and stellate with engulfing surface projections during phagocytosis. The nucleus is often indented.
The cytoplasm contains plenty of synthetic organelles: Golgi apparatus, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. They are involved in forming the contents of the abundant lysosomes, used in phagocytic destruction, and cytokines, used for signalling in immunity and inflammation.
If macrophages encounter a large foreign body, a foreign body giant cell may form.
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