Which type of cell is responsible for immunity and pathogen defense?

The type of cell responsible for immunity and pathogen defense is the white blood cell. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying, attacking, and destroying pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. They are essential for the body’s defense mechanism, recognizing foreign substances and mounting an immune response to protect against infections and diseases.

In contrast, red blood cells primarily function to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and return carbon dioxide for exhalation, hence they do not participate in immune responses. Muscle cells are responsible for movement and the contraction of muscles, while skin cells form a barrier to protect the body but do not directly engage in immune defense like white blood cells do. Each type of cell in the body has a specialized function, with white blood cells being specifically designed for monitoring and combating infections.