What is the most common type of white blood cell found in the body?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Lymphocytes
• C. Monocytes
• D. Eosinophils

Answer: (A)

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in normal circulation. They make up the largest share of leukocytes and act as the body's first responders to bacterial infection. They rush to sites of injury or infection, engulf and destroy bacteria through phagocytosis, and release antimicrobial enzymes to kill pathogens. This rapid, frontline role explains why neutrophils are the dominant white blood cell type.

Lymphocytes, while crucial for adaptive immunity, are not as numerous in the blood under resting conditions and are more prominent in lymphoid tissues. Monocytes are fewer in number and become macrophages in tissues, where they help with longer-term clean-up and antigen presentation. Eosinophils are the least abundant and specialize in parasitic infections and allergic responses.