What type of white blood cells are responsible for engulfing and digesting pathogens?

Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in the immune response by engulfing and digesting pathogens. This process is known as phagocytosis, which allows phagocytes to absorb harmful microorganisms, like bacteria and viruses, and break them down using enzymes.

Phagocytes include various types of cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which are essential for the body's defense against infectious agents. They are among the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation, helping to clear pathogens and facilitate healing. By breaking down these invaders, phagocytes not only protect the body from diseases but also help activate other components of the immune system, including lymphocytes, which are specialized cells that further target and eliminate pathogens.

Other options represent different aspects of the immune system. For instance, antibodies are proteins produced by B lymphocytes that specifically target antigens on pathogens but do not directly engulf them. Lymphocytes, including T and B cells, are involved in adaptive immunity and are crucial for long-term immunity but do not carry out phagocytosis. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that primarily deal with parasitic infections and also play a role in allergic reactions, but their function