Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which cell type is primarily responsible for initial bacterial clearance during wound healing?

1. Monocyte

2. Neutrophil

3. Basophil

4. Fibroblast

The correct answer is: Neutrophil

The neutrophil is primarily responsible for initial bacterial clearance during wound healing due to its role as the first line of defense in the immune response. Upon injury, neutrophils are among the first responders to migrate to the site of the wound in response to signaling molecules released by damaged tissues and pathogens. They act quickly to engulf and destroy bacteria through processes such as phagocytosis and degranulation, where they release enzymes and antimicrobial substances that kill pathogens. This rapid response is crucial for preventing infection and begins the process of wound healing by creating a cleaner environment for subsequent healing processes. While monocytes also play an important role in wound healing, especially in the later stages where they differentiate into macrophages and promote tissue repair, their response is not as immediate as that of neutrophils. Basophils are involved more in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions, and fibroblasts are key players in tissue regeneration and the formation of new extracellular matrix but are not involved in bacterial clearance. This makes neutrophils the primary cell type for initial bacterial clearance in the early phase of wound healing.