Final answer:
In response to an acute infection, the number of circulating neutrophils usually increases rapidly. These granulocytes are critical first responders and have potent phagocytic properties to engulf and neutralize pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The numbers of circulating neutrophils, primarily in their segmented form, typically quickly increase in response to an acute infection. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell known as a granulocyte and serve as first responders to infection. They possess phagocytic abilities, allowing them to engulf and destroy pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. When an acute infection occurs, the body ramps up the production and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow. A higher than normal count of neutrophils, known as neutrophilia, is an indication of an ongoing infection or inflammation. Neutrophils contain granules with lysozyme, hydrogen peroxide, and defensins to combat invaders, and they do not differentiate into B and T lymphocytes, which are part of the adaptive immune response.