Prepare for the Anatomy and Physiology II Milestone 1 Test with engaging questions, in-depth explanations, and focused study resources. Start your journey to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which leukocyte becomes a phagocytic macrophage when it leaves the circulation?

Monocytes circulating in the blood are the precursors that become macrophages once they exit the bloodstream and enter tissues. Through diapedesis they migrate to sites of tissue inflammation or infection, where they differentiate into macrophages. These macrophages are highly phagocytic, engulfing bacteria, dead cells, and debris, and they can also present antigens to T cells to help drive the adaptive immune response. Neutrophils are the rapid, short-lived first responders that perform phagocytosis but do not mature into macrophages. Lymphocytes and eosinophils have different roles in immunity and do not become macrophages. So, the leukocyte that becomes a phagocytic macrophage after leaving circulation is the monocyte.

Monocytes circulating in the blood are the precursors that become macrophages once they exit the bloodstream and enter tissues. Through diapedesis they migrate to sites of tissue inflammation or infection, where they differentiate into macrophages. These macrophages are highly phagocytic, engulfing bacteria, dead cells, and debris, and they can also present antigens to T cells to help drive the adaptive immune response. Neutrophils are the rapid, short-lived first responders that perform phagocytosis but do not mature into macrophages. Lymphocytes and eosinophils have different roles in immunity and do not become macrophages. So, the leukocyte that becomes a phagocytic macrophage after leaving circulation is the monocyte.