What is the primary function of eosinophils?

What is the primary function of eosinophils?

• A. Combat bacterial infections
• B. Respond to parasitic infections and allergic reactions
• C. Produce antibodies
• D. Regulate blood glucose levels

Answer: (B)

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in responding to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Their primary function is to combat multicellular parasites such as helminths (worms) and to participate in the inflammatory response associated with allergies and asthma. Eosinophils contain granules filled with enzymes and toxic proteins that can damage or kill larger parasites that are difficult for other immune cells to engulf. In the context of allergic reactions, eosinophils contribute to inflammation and tissue damage, and their activation can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. They are drawn to sites of allergic reactions or parasitic infections, where they can release their granules and contribute to the immune defense. The other options address functions performed by different types of cells or systems. For example, combating bacterial infections is primarily the role of neutrophils and macrophages, while the production of antibodies is chiefly attributed to B lymphocytes. Regulating blood glucose levels is managed by insulin and glucagon in the pancreas. Hence, the distinctive role of eosinophils in addressing parasites and allergies clearly identifies option B as the correct answer.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in responding to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Their primary function is to combat multicellular parasites such as helminths (worms) and to participate in the inflammatory response associated with allergies and asthma. Eosinophils contain granules filled with enzymes and toxic proteins that can damage or kill larger parasites that are difficult for other immune cells to engulf.

In the context of allergic reactions, eosinophils contribute to inflammation and tissue damage, and their activation can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. They are drawn to sites of allergic reactions or parasitic infections, where they can release their granules and contribute to the immune defense.

The other options address functions performed by different types of cells or systems. For example, combating bacterial infections is primarily the role of neutrophils and macrophages, while the production of antibodies is chiefly attributed to B lymphocytes. Regulating blood glucose levels is managed by insulin and glucagon in the pancreas. Hence, the distinctive role of eosinophils in addressing parasites and allergies clearly identifies option B as the correct answer.