Final answer:
The phagocytic cell that has long processes is the dendritic cell. Dendritic cells have branching dendrites important for antigen presentation to T cells and also have phagocytic capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of phagocytic cell that has long processes is the dendritic cell (D). Dendritic cells are known for their long, branching processes called dendrites, which resemble the dendrites of neurons but serve a very different purpose. These cells are essential in the immune system for their role in presenting antigens to T cells and initiating an adaptive immune response. Additionally, they possess phagocytic capabilities, allowing them to consume pathogens and present their antigens to T cells.
In contrasting the different types of phagocytes, macrophages are indeed phagocytic as they engulf and digest pathogens. However, their structure is typically not characterized by long processes like dendritic cells. Monocytes, the precursors to macrophages and dendritic cells, circulate in the blood and do not have long processes either.
Mast cells, another immune cell type, play a role in inflammation and allergic responses and are not characterized by long processes. Basophils are similar to mast cells in function and also do not have long processes. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is dendritic cell (D).