Which of the following cells surrounds and destroys an invading microbe?

The correct choice identifies phagocytes as the type of cells responsible for surrounding and destroying invading microbes. Phagocytes are a critical component of the immune system and include different types of cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. These cells can identify, engulf, and digest pathogens through a process known as phagocytosis.

When a pathogenic microbe enters the body, phagocytes respond by recognizing foreign materials and moving towards the site of infection. They then surround the invader, engulf it, and encapsulate it in a compartment within the cell called a phagosome, which then fuses with lysosomes containing digestive enzymes to break down the microbe. This mechanism is vital for the body's defense against infections and serves to clear pathogens from the body effectively.

In contrast, other types of cells listed, like B-cells, primarily function in the adaptive immune response by producing antibodies to neutralize pathogens rather than directly engulfing them. Neutrophils, while indeed a type of phagocyte capable of surrounding and destroying microbes, are more specific to the innate immune response and would fall under the broader category of phagocytes. Eosinophils play a role in attacking larger parasites and are involved in allergic responses, but they