ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

Which cells play a role in clearing a wound of cellular debris during the process of wound healing?

1. Macrophages

2. Neutrophils

3. Lymphocytes

4. Fibroblasts

The correct answer is: Neutrophils

During the process of wound healing, the primary role of clearing cellular debris is performed by neutrophils. These white blood cells are often among the first responders to sites of injury, migrating to the wound area in response to signals such as cytokines and chemokines released by damaged tissues. Neutrophils are highly effective at phagocytosis; they engulf and digest cell debris, bacteria, and other foreign material, helping to prevent infection and pave the way for the healing process. While macrophages also play a significant role in clearing debris later in the healing process, neutrophils are the first line of defense in the acute inflammatory response. Macrophages continue the cleanup after neutrophils have performed their function, helping to eliminate pathogens and further orchestrate tissue repair. Lymphocytes are primarily involved in the adaptive immune response and are more focused on immunity rather than debris clearance. Fibroblasts, on the other hand, are crucial for the later stages of wound healing, participating in the formation of new tissues and collagen synthesis but not in the initial debris clearance phase. Thus, neutrophils are the key players in the initial cleanup of a wound to facilitate healing.