Which cell type is most sensitive to radiation exposure?

Lymphocytes are the cell type most sensitive to radiation exposure due to their role in the immune system and their high rate of division. Cells that are actively dividing or have a high turnover rate tend to be more vulnerable to the effects of radiation, which can cause DNA damage and cell death. Lymphocytes, as a type of white blood cell, are crucial for the body's immune response and are continuously proliferating to respond to threats, making them particularly susceptible to radiation.

In contrast, erythrocytes (red blood cells) have a longer lifespan and do not divide once they mature. Neurons, although important cells in the nervous system, are generally non-dividing and have a limited ability to regenerate. Muscle cells, like neurons, are also primarily post-mitotic and do not undergo significant division after they have matured. This characteristic of lymphocytes, alongside their critical role in the immune system, explains why they exhibit the highest sensitivity to radiation when compared to other types of cells.