Question

Neutrophils of blood serve the function of
(a)Macrophages
(b)Shock troops
(c)Mopping up
(d)Histiocytes

Answer 1

Hint: Neutrophils are the most abundant granulocytes in the body. Neutrophils are a type of phagocytic cells that take part in attacking and digesting the invading pathogenic organisms. They clean the cellular debris and invading bacteria that enter the blood, by performing phagocytosis.

Complete Answer:
Neutrophils are the first immune cells to be recruited by the body, which is usually due to the cytokines produced by the macrophages or other chemical signals such as the production of interleukins, leukotrienes, etc. This kind of movement in response to chemicals is known as chemotaxis. Thus, neutrophils are a part of the innate immune system.
They perform phagocytosis and kill many microbes by internalizing them resulting in the formation of a phagosome into which hydrolytic enzymes and reactive oxygen species are secreted. They clear all the cellular debris and bacteria at the site of invasion by phagosome formation and eventual digestion. Hence they are also said to have a mopping up function, as they clear the debris. Neutrophils are removed after phagocytosis of the pathogens by the macrophages.

So, the correct answer is, “Mopping up”

Note:
-It is sometimes believed that Neutrophils can take over the function of macrophages too as phagocytic cells as they are much numerous in number.
-However, in certain infections, cytokines produced by the macrophages are the ones that recruit neutrophils.
-Some antimicrobial products produced by the neutrophils can be harmful to the host tissues and hence neutrophils have a shorter lifetime, to prevent cell damage. As such, macrophages are essential to keep the neutrophil action in check and phagocytose them if needed.