Which cells are involved in the immediate response during inflammation?

The immediate response during inflammation is primarily characterized by the activity of neutrophils. These cells are a type of white blood cell and are the first responders to sites of infection or injury. They quickly migrate to the affected area, where they play a critical role in the body's defense mechanism by engulfing pathogens and debris through the process of phagocytosis. Neutrophils not only help to eliminate harmful invaders but also release signaling molecules that further recruit other immune cells to the site, thus amplifying the inflammatory response.

While basophils and monocytes do have roles in inflammation, they are not involved in the immediate response to the same extent as neutrophils. Basophils primarily release histamines and other chemicals that can contribute to the inflammatory process, whereas monocytes become macrophages at a later stage and participate in clean-up efforts and chronic inflammation rather than the initial acute response. Therefore, neutrophils are essential players in the immediate inflammatory response, making this the correct answer.