ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Phlebotomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

Neutrophils are the type of leukocytes that play a crucial role in the body's defense against bacterial infections. They constitute the largest portion of white blood cells and are typically the first responders to sites of infection. Upon arriving at an infection site, neutrophils can engulf and digest bacteria through a process called phagocytosis. They’re highly efficient at identifying and eliminating pathogens, making them essential in the innate immune response.

While eosinophils are primarily involved in combating parasitic infections and are also associated with allergic reactions, lymphocytes are mainly responsible for the adaptive immune response, targeting specific pathogens, including viruses. Basophils play a role in inflammatory reactions and allergies but do not have a direct role in fighting bacterial infections. Thus, neutrophils are specifically tailored for responding to bacterial threats, making them the primary leukocyte involved in this aspect of the immune response.