What type of white blood cell is known for phagocytosing during early inflammatory responses?

Neutrophils are the type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in phagocytosis during early inflammatory responses. They are the first responders to sites of infection or injury, quickly moving from the bloodstream to tissues. Once they arrive, neutrophils can engulf and digest pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, as well as cellular debris. This rapid response and ability to eliminate invading microbes are vital for controlling infections in the initial stages and promoting healing.

Other types of white blood cells, while important in different contexts of the immune response, do not primarily engage in phagocytosis during the early stages of inflammation. Eosinophils are typically involved in combating parasitic infections and have a role in allergic reactions; basophils release histamine and other mediators that contribute to inflammation but do not perform phagocytosis. T lymphocytes are key players in adaptive immunity, specifically targeting infected or cancerous cells, but they do not engage in the immediate phagocytic activity characteristic of neutrophils.