Question

The white blood cells that attack foreign invaders to the body are called _____________. a. antibodies b. telomeres c. lymphocytes d. immune cells

Short answer

c. lymphocytes

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct term

Consider the provided options and identify the correct term based on your knowledge about the immune system and the roles of different types of cells. 'Antibodies' and 'immune cells' can be excluded because they are not types of white blood cells but rather parts or general terms associated with the immune system. 'Telomeres' are part of a chromosome, so they can be excluded as well. This leaves 'lymphocytes' as the correct answer, since lymphocytes are indeed a type of white blood cell specifically responsible for attacking foreign invaders in the body.

Key concepts

The Immune System

Our immune system is like a personal army inside our body, designed to protect us from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. It is an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs working together.
The primary role of the immune system is to detect and fight off these harmful germs, keeping us from falling sick. To do so, it employs several types of cells, each with specific tasks in identifying and neutralizing foreign threats. The key players in this system are white blood cells, which act like soldiers on a mission.
The immune system can be divided into two main parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate system is the initial defense, responding quickly and generally to any threat. Meanwhile, the adaptive system provides a more specialized response, even "remembering" pathogens for future encounters.
It is this sophisticated coordination that keeps us healthy and ensures that we can recover when infections manage to find their way in.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system. They roam through the bloodstream and tissues looking for foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Once a threat is identified, WBCs spring into action to destroy it.
There are several types of white blood cells, each with distinct roles:

• Lymphocytes: These are further divided into B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. B cells produce antibodies to neutralize invaders, T cells destroy infected host cells, and natural killer cells attack tumor and virus-infected cells.
• Neutrophils: The most abundant type of white blood cells, they are the first responders to an infection, attacking bacteria and fungi.
• Monocytes: These mature into macrophages and dendritic cells that engulf pathogens and dead cells.
• Eosinophils and Basophils: Primarily deal with parasites and allergic reactions.

White blood cells play a vital part in maintaining the body's defense mechanisms by identifying, targeting, and destroying potential threats.
They circulate around the body using the bloodstream, and can migrate to areas of infection or injury to perform their functions effectively.

Cell Biology

Cell biology is the study of cells, the basic building blocks of all living organisms. It delves into the structure, function, and processes of cells, which are vital to understanding life and health.
Within this field, scientists explore how cells interact with their environments, communicate, and transform into specialized cell types. This knowledge helps us to understand diseases and the development of medical treatments.
Cells come in many different shapes and sizes, each adapted to perform their specific function. In the context of the immune system, the focus is primarily on immune cells' biologies, such as how lymphocytes recognize foreign pathogens and initiate the immune response.
Modern cell biology techniques, like microscopy and molecular analysis, enable us to observe these tiny powerhouses at work. This insight is crucial for developing treatments targeting specific cellular functions or responses, thereby advancing medical science.