Which statement best describes the cellular response to inflammation?

Which statement best describes the cellular response to inflammation?

• A. Fibroblasts resorb tissue
• B. Leukocytes rid bacteria and debris (phagocytosis)
• C. Platelets form clots
• D. Red blood cells produce antibodies

Answer: (B)

White blood cells are the main players in the cellular response to inflammation. They migrate to the injured tissue and perform phagocytosis, engulfing bacteria, dead cells, and debris. Neutrophils arrive first to rapidly neutralize invaders, followed by macrophages that digest debris and help coordinate the healing process. Platelets are involved in forming clots to stop bleeding and release inflammatory mediators, but their primary role is hemostasis rather than cellular cleanup. Fibroblasts participate in tissue repair and scar formation, not the immediate phagocytic clearance. Red blood cells do not produce antibodies—the antibodies are made by B cells/plasma cells. Thus, leukocytes performing phagocytosis best describes the cellular response.

White blood cells are the main players in the cellular response to inflammation. They migrate to the injured tissue and perform phagocytosis, engulfing bacteria, dead cells, and debris. Neutrophils arrive first to rapidly neutralize invaders, followed by macrophages that digest debris and help coordinate the healing process.

Platelets are involved in forming clots to stop bleeding and release inflammatory mediators, but their primary role is hemostasis rather than cellular cleanup. Fibroblasts participate in tissue repair and scar formation, not the immediate phagocytic clearance. Red blood cells do not produce antibodies—the antibodies are made by B cells/plasma cells. Thus, leukocytes performing phagocytosis best describes the cellular response.