Final answer:
Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells that contribute to pus formation when they die after engulfing pathogens. They are crucial for innate immunity and are constantly being produced by the bone marrow to fight infections effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phagocytes that are most abundant in white blood cells and contribute to the formation of pus are neutrophils. These immune cells are critical first responders to infection and are capable of engulfing and destroying pathogens. When a neutrophil phagocytizes pathogens, it employs lytic enzymes within its lysosomes to digest and break down the microbes. This intense activity often results in the neutrophil's own demise. The accumulation of dead neutrophils and other cellular debris at the infection site is what constitutes pus.
In the process of phagocytosis, neutrophils engage directly with the pathogen, wrapping around and internalizing it within a phagosome. This then fuses with a lysosome, an organelle filled with digestive enzymes, working to kill and digest the pathogen effectively. The bone marrow continuously produces a significant number of neutrophils daily, ensuring they are available to combat infections. Their pivotal role in innate immunity and characteristic lifecycle make them a mainstay in the body's defenses against microbial intruders.