If these cells should encounter a bacterium they can engulf it, hold it in a special compartment and destroy it. This is known as phagocytosis .
Macrophages are a type of phagocyte.
They have a whole range of powerful enzymes and toxic substances that can digest the bacteria. Neutrophil Neutrophils are attracted to war zones by various chemotactic agents . These include certain features on the surface of bacteria and products of other WBC's already at the scene. Neutrophils are the main line of defence against rapidly dividing bacteria that could divide into fatal numbers if ignored. Neutrophils are also phagocytes and have a similar range of enzymes and toxic substances.