NCCAOM Biomedicine Board Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Passing with Confidence!

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells (WBCs) in the human body, constituting approximately 50-70% of the total white blood cell count. They play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in fighting off infections, especially those caused by bacteria. Neutrophils are part of the innate immune system and are the first responders to sites of inflammation or infection. They work by engulfing pathogens through a process called phagocytosis and also release enzymes and antimicrobial substances to help eliminate invaders.

Other types of white blood cells, like eosinophils and basophils, are present in much smaller numbers and serve specific functions primarily related to allergic responses and parasitic infections. Lymphocytes, which include T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, are also critical for adaptive immunity, but they account for a smaller percentage of the total WBC population compared to neutrophils. The abundance of neutrophils reflects their essential role in the body's immediate defense mechanisms against infections.