Pus is primarily composed of what?

Pus primarily consists of dead tissue, bacteria, and immune cells that are involved in the inflammatory response to an infection. When the body encounters an infection, particularly with bacteria, white blood cells (like neutrophils) migrate to the site of infection to engulf and destroy the invading pathogens. As these immune cells and the bacteria they consume die, they contribute to the formation of pus.

The presence of dead tissue signifies that the body is experiencing cellular damage, and this contributes to the thick, often yellowish appearance of pus. The mixture of cellular debris, live and dead bacteria, and immune cells encapsulates the body's response to infection and is a common outcome in conditions like abscesses. This is what makes the choice identifying pus as primarily composed of dead tissue and bacteria correct.