Which cell acts as a phagocytic, except?

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Applied Physiology

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are not true cells but are small, anucleated cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes.
Their primary and essential function is in hemostasis, which is the process of stopping bleeding at the site of an injury.
They achieve this by aggregating at the injury site and forming a platelet plug, which is the initial step in blood clot formation.
Thrombocytes do not have the cellular machinery for phagocytosis, the process of engulfing and digesting foreign particles or pathogens.

Option A: This is incorrect because monocytes are a type of leukocyte (white blood cell) and are key components of the mononuclear phagocyte system.
Option C: This is incorrect because macrophages are large, highly efficient phagocytes found in tissues throughout the body.
Option D: This is incorrect because neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are considered the primary phagocytes in the early stages of acute inflammation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Phagocytic function of blood cells as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the roles of different blood cells is fundamental for interpreting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with a differential, a common diagnostic test that provides counts of various white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
An elevated neutrophil count (neutrophilia) on a lab report often signals a bacterial infection, prompting nurses to monitor for signs of sepsis. Conversely, an abnormal platelet count (thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis) indicates a risk for bleeding or clotting disorders, respectively.
What if? If a patient has a severe bacterial infection, a nurse would anticipate the lab results to show an increased number of phagocytic cells like neutrophils (a 'left shift'), not an alteration in thrombocyte count, to fight the infection.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question and identify the negative keyword 'except'. This signals that you must find the option that does NOT fit the stated characteristic.
The characteristic in the question is being 'phagocytic'. Recall or define this term, which means the ability of a cell to engulf and digest foreign particles, bacteria, or debris.
Systematically evaluate each option based on this definition.
Consider 'Monocyte'. Recall that it is a type of white blood cell that becomes a macrophage, a known phagocyte.
Consider 'Macrophage'. This is the quintessential phagocytic cell in tissues.
Consider 'Neutrophil'. This is the most common phagocyte, acting as a first responder to infection.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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