Question

The most active phagocytic white blood cells are?

• A. Eosinophils and Lymphocytes
• B. Lymphocytes and Macrophages
• C. Neutrophils and Eosinophils
• D. Neutrophils and Monocytes

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Neutrophils and Monocytes

The correct option is option D.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Phagocytic cells are those that are capable of engulfing other harmful cells or foreign organisms.
2. Out of the WBCs, there are only three that are phagocytic namely neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils.
3. Eosinophil cells fight allergic and parasitic infections.
4. Out of these three, neutrophils and monocytes are the most active phagocytic cells
5. These white blood cells are capable of reacting to an infection site and phagocytizing the invasive bacteria.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Eosinophils are granular cells.
2. They become active in cases of infections and allergies.
3. Lymphocytes are immune cells.
4. They generate antibodies and support cellular immunity
5. They are not phagocytic in nature.

Option B:

1. Lymphocytes constitute a major portion of the WBCs circulating in the blood.
2. They helps in fighting against the pathogens.
3. They also forms the memory cells after encounter with a pathogen.
4. Macrophages are the phagocytic cells that detect, destroy and engulf the pathogen.

Option C:

1. Neutrophils act as the immune system's first line of defence.
2. They are granular cells that act in allergic reactions or parasitic invasion.
3. Eosinophils release granules like histamine.
4. They are involved in allergic reactions.

Final answer: The most active phagocytic white blood cells are neutrophils and monocytes.