What term indicates an abnormally low lymphocyte count?

What term indicates an abnormally low lymphocyte count?

• A. Lymphocytosis
• B. Leukocytosis
• C. Lymphocytopenia
• D. Lymphosarcoma

Answer: (C)

An abnormally low lymphocyte count is described by the term lymphocytopenia. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell essential for immune defense, and the suffix -penia denotes deficiency or a low count. So lymphocytopenia literally means a deficiency of lymphocytes. In contrast, lymphocytosis means an abnormally high lymphocyte count, leukocytosis denotes an overall increase in white blood cells (not specific to lymphocytes), and lymphosarcoma is a cancer arising from lymphoid tissue rather than a change in cell counts. Therefore, the best term for a reduced lymphocyte count is lymphocytopenia.

An abnormally low lymphocyte count is described by the term lymphocytopenia. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell essential for immune defense, and the suffix -penia denotes deficiency or a low count. So lymphocytopenia literally means a deficiency of lymphocytes. In contrast, lymphocytosis means an abnormally high lymphocyte count, leukocytosis denotes an overall increase in white blood cells (not specific to lymphocytes), and lymphosarcoma is a cancer arising from lymphoid tissue rather than a change in cell counts. Therefore, the best term for a reduced lymphocyte count is lymphocytopenia.