Final answer:
The total WBC count in a healthy individual typically ranges from 4,800 to 11,000 cells per microliter of blood, and neutrophils make up 50-70% of this count. Neutrophil counts are significant for evaluating the immune system, particularly in conditions like infections or during chemotherapy for cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total white blood cell (WBC) count for a healthy individual typically ranges from about 4,800 to 11,000 per microliter of blood. Neutrophils are the most common type of leukocytes, comprising approximately 50-70% of the total WBC count. To estimate the total neutrophil count, you would multiply the total WBC count by the percentage that neutrophils comprise of that total.
For instance, if a patient's total WBC count is 7,000 cells per microliter, the neutrophil count would typically be between 3,500 to 4,900 cells per microliter (which is 50-70% of the total WBC count). Neutrophils are larger than erythrocytes (10-12 µm in diameter) and have a distinctive light lilac color with a lobed nucleus when stained. Their name, "neutrophil", reflects their affinity for neutral dyes. Counts of neutrophils are critical in assessing a person's immune system status, especially in medical conditions like infections or in situations such as chemotherapy for cancer.