Tag: cells in immune system

The blood cells are of three major types they are erythrocytes(RBC), leucocytes(WBC) and platelets. Two main categories of WBCs are granulocytes and agranulocytes. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are different types of granulocytes, while lymphocytes and monocytes are the agranulocytes.  Lymphocytes are of two major types – ‘B’ and ‘T’ forms. Both B and T lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses of the body.B lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity and T lymphocytes in cell-mediated immunity. Hence lymphocytes are not phagocytic.

Phagocytes have the ability to phagocytose or kill foreign cells and particles like pathogens by ingesting them. Many blood cells have this function, including monocytes, neutrophils and macrophages. Basophils do not have phagocytic activity.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Basophil.'

Among the White blood cells (WBCs) four cells have the phagocytic ability. The neutrophils, monocytes, eosionophils and basophils. The basophils and the eosinophils have very less phagocytic ability when compared to the phagocytic ability of neutrophils and monocytes. When monocytes leave the blood and enter tissue spaces they grow and modify to form macrophages which still have the phagocytic ability. Thus, the correct option is B.

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.

An antibody also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig) is a large, Y-shaped protein molecule produced by B lymphocytes, that is used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens (antigens) such as bacteria and viruses.

Phagocytosis is a process by which certain living cells called phagocytes ingest or engulf other cells or particles It is normally important in bacterial infections.