Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Phagocytes primarily serve the crucial function of engulfing bacteria and other foreign particles in the immune system. These specialized cells, which include macrophages and neutrophils, play a pivotal role in the innate immune response. When they encounter pathogens like bacteria, they initiate a process called phagocytosis, where they surround and ingest the invaders. This not only helps in clearing infections but also initiates a broader immune response by presenting antigens from the engulfed pathogens to other immune cells, thereby linking the innate and adaptive immune systems.

The other functions mentioned, such as coordinating immune responses and producing antibodies, are performed by different components of the immune system. For example, T cells and B cells are primarily responsible for coordinating immune responses and producing antibodies, while some lymphocytes can target malignant cells, but these do not encompass the primary role of phagocytes. Hence, it is clear that the main duty of phagocytes is centered on their ability to engulf and destroy harmful microorganisms, solidifying their essential place in the immune defense mechanism.