Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocytes. What is the approximate half-life of a neutrophil in the circulating blood pool under normal physiological conditions?
- A 5 to 7 days
- B 1 to 2 days
- C 6 to 8 hours ✓
- D 14 to 21 days
Correct answer: C. 6 to 8 hours
Explanation
Neutrophils have a very short circulating half-life of approximately 6 to 8 hours before they marginate and migrate into tissues, where they survive for 1 to 2 days. The option '1 to 2 days' refers to tissue survival, not circulating half-life. Erythrocytes survive about 120 days and lymphocytes may recirculate for months to years.
Reference: Williams Hematology, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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