In the stages of gingivitis, which cells predominantly appear after 4 to 7 days of plaque accumulation?

After 4 to 7 days of plaque accumulation in the progression of gingivitis, lymphocytes predominantly appear in the inflammatory response. This stage of gingivitis is marked by a shift in the immune response as the body recognizes the presence of plaque bacteria. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in the immune system by responding to infections and other pathogens.

During this timeframe, the inflammatory process is intensified, leading to an increase in immune cell activity. Lymphocytes specifically contribute to the adaptive immune response, which is necessary for managing chronic inflammation often associated with gingivitis. They help in recognizing and targeting bacterial antigens present in plaque, which is critical for controlling bacterial colonization and initiating repair processes in the affected tissues.

Other cell types, such as leukocytes in general, may also be present, but the presence of lymphocytes becomes particularly significant in this stage. Plasma cells, which are derived from B-lymphocytes, are more associated with the later stages of immune response involving antibody production. Eosinophils, known for their role in allergic reactions and parasitic infections, are not predominant in the gingival inflammation associated with chronic plaque accumulation. Therefore, the prominence of lymphocytes is key to understanding the cellular