White Blood Cells | Leukocytes

Definition

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are a type of blood cell that play an important role in the immune system.

Origin

White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

Functions

White blood cells are responsible for defending the body against infections and foreign substances. There are several different types of white blood cells, each with its own specific function. For example, neutrophils are responsible for engulfing and destroying bacteria, while eosinophils are responsible for destroying parasites and regulating allergic reactions.

Types of White Blood Cells

The five main types of white blood cells are: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.

1. Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and are responsible for responding to bacterial infections. They are the first cells to arrive at the site of an infection and are able to engulf and destroy bacteria using a process called phagocytosis. Neutrophils are also involved in the inflammatory response, which helps to contain and destroy the infection.

2. Eosinophils

Eosinophils are responsible for responding to parasitic infections and regulating allergic reactions. They are able to release chemicals that help to destroy parasites and also play a role in regulating the inflammatory response associated with allergies.

3. Basophils

Basophils are responsible for releasing histamine, which is involved in the inflammatory response. Histamine helps to increase blood flow to the site of an infection or injury, which allows more white blood cells to arrive and helps to contain and destroy the infection.

4. Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are responsible for recognizing and destroying cells that have been infected with a virus, as well as cancer cells. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that can recognize and bind to specific foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. T cells can directly destroy cells that have been infected with a virus or cancer cells.

5. Monocytes

Monocytes are responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. They are able to move out of the blood vessels and into the tissues, where they can engulf and destroy foreign substances. Monocytes can also differentiate into macrophages, which are able to engulf and destroy larger foreign substances.

Importance

White blood cells are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and defending the body against infections and foreign substances.

Abnormalities

Abnormalities in white blood cell count can indicate an underlying health condition. For example, a high white blood cell count can indicate an infection, while a low white blood cell count can indicate a weakened immune system or a bone marrow disorder.

In conclusion, there are five main types of white blood cells, each with its own specific function. Neutrophils are responsible for responding to bacterial infections, eosinophils are responsible for responding to parasitic infections and regulating allergic reactions, basophils are responsible for releasing histamine, lymphocytes are responsible for recognizing and destroying cells that have been infected with a virus or cancer cells, and monocytes are responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign substances.