Final answer:
Macrophages and monocytes are the main white blood cells involved in chronic inflammation, with neutrophils also playing a role in the early stages. Macrophages take over from neutrophils, continuing the cleanup process at the inflammation site.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main white blood cells that participate in chronic inflammation are primarily macrophages and monocytes. These cells are a part of the innate immune system and are known for their role in phagocytosis, which involves the engulfing and digesting of pathogens and dead cells. Neutrophils are also involved, particularly in the early stages of inflammation, being the most abundant white blood cells of the immune system.
However, during chronic inflammation, macrophages take over as the primary cell type present, continuing the process of cleaning up debris and pathogens from the site of inflammation. Mast cells and cytokines contribute to the inflammatory response by releasing chemicals like histamines that cause capillaries to dilate and become leaky, facilitating the movement of leukocytes to the inflamed area.