[Phagocytosis--a central mechanism in inflammatory reaction (author's transl)].

It is attempted to describe the complex pathogenesis of the inflammatory reaction by analysing the mechanisms of several reactions involved. Phagocytosis is a central phenomenon of host defense mechanisms responding to an invasion of foreign bodies. The induction of secondary reactions following phagocytosis is looked at. Several pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for a switch from acute to chronic inflammation are suggested. Known principles of the autonomous regulation of cell effector functions are discussed in relation to their participation in inflammatory reactions.