Which immune cells are primarily responsible for engulfing WBCs via phagocytosis?

Phagocytosis is a crucial process in the immune response where certain immune cells engulf and digest cellular debris, pathogens, and even other white blood cells (WBCs) as part of the body's defense mechanism. Neutrophils and monocytes are the primary cells responsible for this activity.

Neutrophils are the first responders in the immune response and are specialized in phagocytosing bacteria and fungi. They are abundant in the bloodstream and can rapidly migrate to sites of infection or inflammation, where they can engulf and destroy pathogens.

Monocytes, on the other hand, circulate in the blood and can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells upon entering tissues. Macrophages are highly effective phagocytes that can engulf larger particles and dead cells and play a crucial role in orchestrating the overall immune response.

Together, neutrophils and monocytes represent the primary line of defense through their ability to perform phagocytosis, making this answer the most appropriate choice. The other cell types noted in the question each have their functions but are not primarily recognized for this process. For instance, eosinophils are more involved in combating parasitic infections and allergic reactions, lymphocytes are primarily associated with adaptive immunity (such as T cells and