Which statement describes what would most likely happen to microbes in the blood?

• A. They are phagocytosed by eosinophils.
• B. They are phagocytosed by natural killer cells.
• C. They are phagocytosed by neutrophils.
• D. They are phagocytosed by dendritic cells.
• E. They are phagocytosed by macrophages in the spleen.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of phagocytosis in the immune system: Phagocytosis is a process where certain cells, known as phagocytes, engulf and digest foreign particles, bacteria, and dying cells. This is a crucial part of the body's defense mechanism against infections.
2. Identify the types of phagocytes: The main phagocytes in the human body include neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and eosinophils. Each has a specific role in the immune response.
3. Recognize the primary function of macrophages: Macrophages are large phagocytic cells found in various tissues, including the spleen. They are responsible for engulfing and digesting cellular debris and pathogens, and they play a key role in the immune response by presenting antigens to T cells.
4. Consider the role of the spleen in filtering blood: The spleen acts as a blood filter, removing old or damaged red blood cells and pathogens. Macrophages in the spleen are particularly effective at phagocytosing microbes present in the blood.
5. Conclude that macrophages in the spleen are most likely to phagocytose microbes in the blood: Given the spleen's role in filtering blood and the presence of macrophages, it is logical to conclude that these cells are primarily responsible for phagocytosing microbes in the bloodstream.