What type of white blood cell is the largest and is responsible for controlling infections and removing damaged cells?

Monocytes are indeed the largest type of white blood cell and play a critical role in the immune system. They are essential in controlling infections and aiding in the removal of damaged or dead cells from the body. Monocytes circulate in the blood for about one to three days and then migrate into tissues, where they differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells.

As macrophages, they have the capacity to engulf and digest pathogens and cellular debris, thus contributing to the body's innate immune response. They also play a significant role in the adaptive immune response by presenting antigens to T cells, which helps initiate a more specific immune response against pathogens. This characteristic of monocytes, along with their size and versatility, makes them integral to maintaining health and combating infections.