Final answer:
The correct term for a cell that ingests microorganisms or other cells is a phagocyte. Phagocytes, like neutrophils and macrophages, are crucial immune system components that remove pathogens by engulfing and digesting them through phagocytosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells that ingest microorganisms or other cells through a process called phagocytosis are known as phagocytes. This biological process is a form of endocytosis by which a cell engulfs solid particles to form an internal compartment known as a phagosome. It is a critical component of the immune system. Neutrophils and macrophages are examples of phagocytes that protect the body by engulfing and digesting harmful pathogens that invade the body. Once a pathogen is engulfed, lysosomes fuse with the phagosome and use hydrolytic enzymes to destroy the microorganism.
In contrast, pinocytosis is another type of endocytosis often referred to as "cell drinking," which involves the uptake of liquid and the solutes dissolved within it. These different processes are essential for maintaining the health and balance of the body's cellular environment. Therefore, the correct final answer to the question posed is (b) phagocyte.
The correct term for a cell that ingests microorganisms or other cells is a phagocyte. This cell performs phagocytosis to protect the body by engulfing and digesting invading pathogens.