Which cells engulf debris and pathogens?

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Multiple Choice

Which cells engulf debris and pathogens?

Engulfing debris and pathogens is a job for phagocytic white blood cells. Monocytes circulate in the blood and migrate into tissues, where they differentiate into macrophages that actively ingest and digest bacteria, dead cells, and other debris. This makes them the key cells responsible for cleanup in the immune response. Erythrocytes carry oxygen, platelets help with clotting, and chondrocytes maintain cartilage, so they don’t perform phagocytosis. The ability to engulf debris and pathogens is why monocytes (and the macrophages they become) are the best match here.

Engulfing debris and pathogens is a job for phagocytic white blood cells. Monocytes circulate in the blood and migrate into tissues, where they differentiate into macrophages that actively ingest and digest bacteria, dead cells, and other debris. This makes them the key cells responsible for cleanup in the immune response. Erythrocytes carry oxygen, platelets help with clotting, and chondrocytes maintain cartilage, so they don’t perform phagocytosis. The ability to engulf debris and pathogens is why monocytes (and the macrophages they become) are the best match here.

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