What is the primary purpose of leukocytes during inflammation?

Leukocytes, commonly known as white blood cells, play a crucial role in the inflammatory response, primarily by phagocytizing, or engulfing, foreign debris, pathogens, and damaged cells. This process helps to clear the affected area of harmful substances and dead cells, allowing for the healing process to begin.

During inflammation, various types of leukocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, are recruited to the site of injury or infection. They identify and ingest these unwanted materials, which not only helps to prevent the spread of infection but also promotes tissue repair. By effectively managing and removing these threats, leukocytes facilitate a more organized healing response, ultimately contributing to tissue recovery and regeneration.

The other options, while related to different aspects of the inflammatory process or overall healing, do not accurately describe the primary function of leukocytes during inflammation. For instance, forming new blood vessels relates more to angiogenesis, which is a later stage in healing rather than the immediate response involving leukocytes. Limiting the size of the injury is a function more associated with the surrounding tissue and overall inflammatory responses rather than a direct action of leukocytes themselves. Regenerating damaged tissues primarily involves other cell types, such as fibroblasts, rather than the