HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which of the following describes a macrophage's primary function?

1. To assist in blood clotting

2. To help in generating new tissue

3. To engulf and digest foreign particles

4. To carry oxygen in the blood

The correct answer is: To engulf and digest foreign particles

The primary function of a macrophage is to engulf and digest foreign particles, including pathogens like bacteria and viruses, as well as debris from dead or dying cells. This process is known as phagocytosis. By doing so, macrophages play a crucial role in the immune system, helping to protect the body from infections and contributing to inflammation and the overall response to injury. Their ability to present antigens to other immune cells also aids in the activation of the adaptive immune response. The other functions mentioned in the options pertain to different types of cells or processes in the body. Assisting in blood clotting is primarily carried out by platelets, while generating new tissue is typically the role of fibroblasts or other regenerative cells. Carrying oxygen in the blood is the specific function of red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin. Each of these options is essential for bodily functions, but they do not encompass the unique and critical role that macrophages serve in the immune defense system.