What cells are responsible for engulfing damaged tissues and recycling chemicals to create new healthy tissue?

Macrophages are specialized white blood cells that play a critical role in the immune response and tissue maintenance. Their primary function involves engulfing and digesting cellular debris, pathogens, and damaged tissues through a process known as phagocytosis. This cleanup process is essential for wound healing and the regeneration of healthy tissue. Once the damaged cells are removed, macrophages also release various signaling molecules that can help in tissue repair and regeneration, facilitating the healing process.

This process demonstrates the importance of macrophages not only in the body's defense against infection but also in maintaining and restoring tissue integrity after injury. Their ability to recycle chemicals and components from the engulfed materials further supports the creation of new, healthy tissue, highlighting their role in the overall healing process.