Which types of white blood cells are primarily involved in phagocytosis?

The correct answer identifies neutrophils and monocytes as the primary white blood cells involved in phagocytosis.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells and play a critical role in the immune response, particularly during the initial stages of infection. They can quickly respond to sites of infection or injury, where they engulf and digest pathogens such as bacteria and fungi through the process of phagocytosis. This process not only helps to eliminate pathogens but also contributes to the inflammatory response.

Monocytes, while they circulate in the bloodstream, migrate into tissues where they differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells. Macrophages are potent phagocytes that can engulf larger pathogens and dead or dying cells. They are crucial for both the innate immune system and the adaptive immune response as they present antigens to T cells.

In contrast, the other types of white blood cells listed do not primarily carry out phagocytosis. Lymphocytes, including T and B cells, are mainly involved in adaptive immunity rather than direct pathogen ingestion. Eosinophils are more specialized in combating parasitic infections and are involved in allergic responses, while basophils and natural killer cells play roles in different aspects of the immune response, such as