**Core Concept**
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death, a vital process for maintaining tissue homeostasis and eliminating damaged or unwanted cells. It is characterized by a series of morphological changes, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and membrane blebbing.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Apoptosis is distinct from necrosis, a form of cell death resulting from acute cellular injury. On light microscopy, apoptosis is typically identified by the presence of apoptotic bodies, which are small, membrane-bound vesicles containing fragmented cellular material. These bodies are often seen as small, rounded masses of condensed chromatin, surrounded by a clear halo. This characteristic appearance is due to the activation of caspases, a family of cysteine proteases that play a central role in the apoptotic process.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option might refer to karyorrhexis, a form of cell death characterized by the fragmentation of the nucleus. However, karyorrhexis is typically seen in necrotic cells, not apoptotic ones.
**Option B:** This option might refer to cell lysis, a process where cells rupture and release their contents. While apoptosis can lead to cell lysis, it is not a characteristic feature of this process on light microscopy.
**Option C:** This option might refer to the presence of inflammatory cells, which is not a feature of apoptosis on light microscopy.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Apoptosis is a critical process for maintaining tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Understanding the morphological features of apoptosis is essential for distinguishing it from other forms of cell death.

**Correct Answer: B. Fragmentation of the cell into apoptotic bodies.**