Question

Even though it's not standard procedure for otitis media, Dr. Trapper asked for some of the fluid contained behind the eardrum to be collected with a syringe (tympanocentesis) so he could analyze it for culture and sensitivity in his lab. He stained the fluid and examined it under the microscopic field. Interestingly, although he did not find any noticeable bacterial organisms, he did find high numbers of this characteristic responding cell type (picture), which could likely be identified as a:

1) Neutrophil
2) Macrophage
3) Plasma cell
4) Natural killer (NK) cell
5) Dendritic cell

Answer 1

The characteristic responding cell type found in the fluid collected from behind the eardrum in otitis media is likely a neutrophil.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of otitis media, the characteristic responding cell type found in the fluid collected from behind the eardrum is likely to be neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the innate immune response, providing rapid defense against invading pathogens.

Otitis media refers to inflammation of the middle ear, often associated with infection. When microbial growth occurs in the middle ear, the immune system responds by recruiting immune cells, and neutrophils are among the first to be mobilized. Their primary function is to engulf and destroy invading microorganisms.

Therefore, the presence of a high number of neutrophils in the fluid collected from behind the eardrum is indicative of an active immune response to the infection. This cellular response is a crucial element in the body's defense against pathogens causing otitis media.