Mononuclear phagocyte system

Not to be confused with reticulocyte, reticular cell, or reticuloendothelial system.

In immunology, the mononuclear phagocyte system or mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) also known as the macrophage system is a part of the immune system that consists of the phagocytic cells[1] located in reticular connective tissue. The cells are primarily monocytes and macrophages, and they accumulate in lymph nodes and the spleen. The Kupffer cells of the liver and tissue histiocytes are also part of the MPS. The mononuclear phagocyte system and the monocyte macrophage system refer to two different entities, often mistakenly understood as one.[citation needed]

"Reticuloendothelial system" is an older term for the mononuclear phagocyte system, but it is used less commonly now, as it is understood that most endothelial cells are not macrophages.[2]

The mononuclear phagocyte system is also a somewhat dated concept trying to combine a broad range of cells, and should be used with caution.[3]

  1. ^ Mononuclear+Phagocyte+System at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
  2. ^ Inderbir Singh (2006). Textbook of human histology. Jaypee Brothers Publishers. pp. 90–. ISBN 978-81-8061-809-3. Retrieved 12 November 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ Hume, David A (2006-02-01). "The mononuclear phagocyte system". Current Opinion in Immunology. Innate immunity / Antigen processing and recognition. 18 (1): 49–53. doi:10.1016/j.coi.2005.11.008. PMID 16338128.