Question

What is the name given to a large amoeboid cell that engulfs and destroys bacteria invading the human body?

• A. Elastocyte
• B. Mast cell
• C. Macrophage
• D. T-cell

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Macrophage

A macrophage is a type of phagocyte, which is a cell responsible for detecting, engulfing and destroying pathogens and apoptotic cells. Macrophages are produced through the differentiation of monocytes, which turn into macrophages when they leave the blood. Macrophages also play a role in alerting the immune system to the presence of invaders. Phagocytosis is the term used to describe the engulfing and destroying of defective or microbial cells. When inflammation occurs, monocytes undergo a series of changes to become macrophages and target cells that need eliminating. Once engulfed, cellular enzymes inside the macrophage destroy the ingested particle. Some macrophages act as scavengers, removing dead or necrotic cells while others provide host immunity by engulfing microbes.

So the correct option is 'macrophage'.