Final answer:
In a purulent inflammatory lesion, neutrophils are the predominant cells due to their rapid response and phagocytic activity in the innate immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The predominant cells in a sample collected from a purulent inflammatory lesion are most likely to be neutrophils. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of leukocytes in the immune system and are especially known for their role in the innate immune response, characterized by phagocytosis and inflammation. When inflammation occurs, pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced which lead to increased permeability of the capillaries, allowing for a swift influx of neutrophils to the site of infection. Neutrophils are granulocytes with multi-lobed nuclei and carry lysosomes that help in digesting engulfed pathogens. In contrast, monocytes are agranulocytes that circulate in the blood and can differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells, that phagocytize debris and foreign pathogens, but they are not as immediately responsive as neutrophils in acute inflammatory settings.