The process of digesting cellular debris is called what?

The process of digesting cellular debris is called what?

• A. Phagocytosis
• B. Leukocyte migration
• C. Metabolic changes
• D. Hemodynamic changes

Answer: (A)

Phagocytosis is the process by which immune cells digest cellular debris. In this process, phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils recognize debris, engulf it to form a phagosome, then fuse that phagosome with a lysosome to create a phagolysosome where digestive enzymes break down the material. The resulting digested components can be reused or expelled. The other terms refer to different immune or physiological activities: leukocyte migration is the movement of white blood cells toward the injury site (chemotaxis), metabolic changes are shifts in cellular energy use, and hemodynamic changes involve blood flow and vessel dynamics. Therefore, phagocytosis is the correct term for digesting cellular debris.

Phagocytosis is the process by which immune cells digest cellular debris. In this process, phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils recognize debris, engulf it to form a phagosome, then fuse that phagosome with a lysosome to create a phagolysosome where digestive enzymes break down the material. The resulting digested components can be reused or expelled. The other terms refer to different immune or physiological activities: leukocyte migration is the movement of white blood cells toward the injury site (chemotaxis), metabolic changes are shifts in cellular energy use, and hemodynamic changes involve blood flow and vessel dynamics. Therefore, phagocytosis is the correct term for digesting cellular debris.