Which term describes a cell that fights infection?

Which term describes a cell that fights infection?

• A. Platelet
• B. Erythrocyte
• C. Leukocyte
• D. Lymphocyte

Answer: (C)

Defenders of the body against pathogens are white blood cells called leukocytes. Leukocytes are the broad category of immune cells that respond to infection, attack invading microbes, and coordinate immune responses. Platelets are involved in clotting, not fighting infection. Erythrocytes carry oxygen to tissues and don’t directly defend against pathogens. Lymphocytes are a subset of leukocytes specialized for adaptive immunity (they handle targeted responses like antibody production and killer cell activity). Because the question asks for a general term describing a cell that fights infection, the best fit is leukocyte, since it includes all immune white blood cells that defend against infection.

Defenders of the body against pathogens are white blood cells called leukocytes. Leukocytes are the broad category of immune cells that respond to infection, attack invading microbes, and coordinate immune responses. Platelets are involved in clotting, not fighting infection. Erythrocytes carry oxygen to tissues and don’t directly defend against pathogens. Lymphocytes are a subset of leukocytes specialized for adaptive immunity (they handle targeted responses like antibody production and killer cell activity). Because the question asks for a general term describing a cell that fights infection, the best fit is leukocyte, since it includes all immune white blood cells that defend against infection.