Foam cells

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Foam cells are cells in an atheroma derived form both macrophages and smooth muscle cells which have accumulated LDLs by endocytosis. The LDL has crossed the endothelial barrier and has been oxidized by reactive oxygen species produced by the endothelial cells.

Foam Cells are macrophage cells which engulf lipoproteins in a mechanism involving atheroma formation. These engulfed lipoproteins give the macrophages their "foamy" appearance.