Monocytes (Macrophages in Training)

The biggest white blood cell

Monocytes are a kind of white blood cell. They are made in your bone marrow.

They are the biggest white blood cells in your blood. Their nucleus is often shaped like a kidney bean.

A monocyte only rides in the blood for a few days. Then it squeezes out through the wall of a blood tube.

Growing into a germ eater

• Once a monocyte leaves the blood, it grows bigger.
• It turns into a macrophage, a big cell that gobbles up germs, dust, and old worn-out cells.
• Some monocytes become other helpers that show germ pieces to the rest of the immune team.

Monocyte quiz