Which blood cells are among the most radiosensitive in the body?

Lymphocytes are indeed among the most radiosensitive blood cells in the body. This is primarily due to their role in the immune system and their high level of mitotic activity. As lymphocytes are involved in immune responses, they frequently undergo division. Rapidly dividing cells tend to experience more substantial damage from radiation because the radiation can cause changes to the DNA during the synthesis phase of the cell cycle, as these cells are more exposed during their replication process.

The destruction of lymphocytes can lead to immunosuppression, which significantly impacts the body's ability to fend off infections and diseases. This heightened sensitivity to radiation makes lymphocytes crucial indicators of radiation exposure, as a significant drop in their levels can signal radiation damage.

Other blood cells such as erythrocytes and thrombocytes are relatively more resistant to radiation than lymphocytes due to their different life cycles and roles in the body. Erythrocytes (red blood cells) have a lifespan of about 120 days and do not undergo division after maturation, making them less susceptible to radiation damage compared to lymphocytes. Similarly, thrombocytes (platelets) have a limited lifespan and are also less radiosensitive. Neutrophils, while important in fighting infections, are also not as