In dental terminology, what is NOT a primary function of macrophages in the immune response?

Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune response, but their primary functions do not include the production of antibodies. Instead, macrophages are key players in immune defense through several important activities.

They are highly effective at cleaning up debris, particularly at sites of infection or injury, where they help to clear dead cells and pathogens. They also engulf pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, through a process known as phagocytosis, which is essential for eliminating invaders from the body. Additionally, macrophages communicate with other immune cells by releasing cytokines and other signaling molecules, which help coordinate the overall immune response.

In contrast, antibody production is the responsibility of B cells, which are a different type of immune cell that specifically synthesize antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. This differentiation in function clarifies why the act of producing antibodies is not a primary function attributed to macrophages.