Final answer:
Neutrophils are the cells that play a significant role as phagocytes in the eradication of bacteria. They are part of the immune system's first line of defense, quickly responding to infections and carrying out phagocytosis to destroy and remove pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neutrophils play an extensive role as phagocytes in the eradication of bacteria. These cells are a type of white blood cell, and they are often referred to as the first responders to infection due to their ability to rapidly reach sites of inflammation. The primary function of neutrophils is to perform phagocytosis, that is, engulfing and digesting microorganisms or particles.
When comparing the options provided in the question, although macrophages and dendritic cells also have phagocytic capabilities, neutrophils are the correct answer because they are significant constituents of the immune system's initial innate response to bacterial infections. Once the neutrophils have phagocytized pathogens, they use lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes, to destroy and remove these pathogens from the body.
Therefore, the answer to the question 'What cells play an extensive role as phagocytes in the eradication of bacteria?' is B. neutrophils.