Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Neutrophils and eosinophils are primarily associated with which bodily response?

1. Viral infection response

2. Allergic reaction

3. Bacterial infection response

4. Chronic inflammation

The correct answer is: Bacterial infection response

The correct association for neutrophils and eosinophils is primarily with the body's response to different types of challenges. Neutrophils are key players in the immune response, particularly in responding to bacterial infections. They are the first line of defense, acting quickly to engulf and destroy bacteria through phagocytosis. Their presence is a hallmark of acute inflammation associated with bacterial pathogens. Eosinophils, while primarily involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections, do not play as significant a role in immediate bacterial defense as neutrophils. They usually increase in response to allergens and in certain chronic conditions rather than typical bacterial challenges. In summary, while both cell types are crucial for immune functions, neutrophils are especially tied to the body's bacterial infection response, validating the significance of this association.