Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

What type of white blood cells travel into tissues and become macrophages?

1. Lymphocytes

2. Monocytes

3. Eosinophils

4. Basophils

The correct answer is: Monocytes

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune system. Once monocytes exit the bloodstream and migrate into body tissues, they differentiate into macrophages. Macrophages are essential for phagocytosis, where they engulf and digest cellular debris, pathogens, and dead cells, thus playing a vital role in the body’s defense mechanisms and tissue homeostasis. In contrast, lymphocytes primarily function in adaptive immunity, targeting specific pathogens and helping in the formation of antibodies but do not transform into macrophages. Eosinophils are mainly involved in combating parasitic infections and modulating allergic responses, and basophils are involved in inflammatory reactions, particularly those associated with allergies. Both eosinophils and basophils have distinct functions that do not include transitioning into macrophages. Therefore, the role of monocytes as precursors to macrophages is a fundamental aspect of immune system function.