What is the term for an increase in white blood cell numbers at sites of injury characteristic of inflammation?

The term that describes an increase in white blood cell numbers at sites of injury, which is characteristic of inflammation, is leukocytosis. During inflammation, the body responds to injury or infection by mobilizing additional white blood cells (leukocytes) to the affected area. This influx of leukocytes helps to combat pathogens, clear debris, and facilitate the healing process. Leukocytosis is a key component of the immune response, indicating that the body is actively working to manage an inflammatory condition.

The other options refer to different processes: leukopenia represents a decrease in white blood cells, erythrocytosis refers to an increase in red blood cells, and thrombocytosis indicates an elevation in platelet count. Each of these conditions has distinct implications and is not related to the characteristic increase in white blood cells associated with inflammation.