Which of the following is a type of white blood cell?

Which of the following is a type of white blood cell?

• A. Eosinophil
• B. Neutrophil
• C. Basophil
• D. Lymphocyte

Answer: (B)

White blood cells are the immune system’s frontline defenders. Neutrophils are a classic and key type of white blood cell: they’re the most abundant WBC in the bloodstream and act as rapid responders to bacterial infection. They rush to sites of infection, engulf (phagocytose) and destroy bacteria, and release substances that help control pathogens. Their distinctive multi-lobed nucleus helps you identify them under a microscope, and they’re short-lived, circulating ready to spring into action. The other options are also white blood cells with different roles: eosinophils help fight parasites and modulate allergic responses; basophils release histamine and contribute to inflammation; lymphocytes (including B and T cells) drive adaptive immunity. But neutrophils exemplify a white blood cell most people associate with immediate, non-specific defense against bacteria.

White blood cells are the immune system’s frontline defenders. Neutrophils are a classic and key type of white blood cell: they’re the most abundant WBC in the bloodstream and act as rapid responders to bacterial infection. They rush to sites of infection, engulf (phagocytose) and destroy bacteria, and release substances that help control pathogens. Their distinctive multi-lobed nucleus helps you identify them under a microscope, and they’re short-lived, circulating ready to spring into action.

The other options are also white blood cells with different roles: eosinophils help fight parasites and modulate allergic responses; basophils release histamine and contribute to inflammation; lymphocytes (including B and T cells) drive adaptive immunity. But neutrophils exemplify a white blood cell most people associate with immediate, non-specific defense against bacteria.