White Blood Cells
White Blood Cells (pronunciation: /waɪt blʌd sɛlz/), also known as leukocytes (pronunciation: /ˈluːkəˌsaɪts/), are a crucial part of the immune system that helps the body fight off diseases and infections. The term "white blood cell" is derived from the physical appearance of a leukocyte after it has been prepared for microscopic viewing. They are called "white" because they are not stained by most dyes and appear colorless and transparent.
Types of White Blood Cells
There are five major types of white blood cells, each with its unique function. These include:
- Neutrophils: These are the most common type of white blood cells and are the first to respond to infections.
- Lymphocytes: These cells are responsible for immune memory and are vital in the body's defense against viruses and cancer cells.
- Monocytes: These cells are the largest type of white blood cells and can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells.
- Eosinophils: These cells are responsible for combating multicellular parasites and certain infections in vertebrates.
- Basophils: These are the least common of the white blood cells and are responsible for allergic and antigen response by releasing the chemical histamine causing the dilation of blood vessels.
Function
White blood cells are responsible for defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. They move in an ameboid manner and can exit the blood vessels to reach the site of an infection. They can also find and destroy cancer cells.
Production
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow from a stem cell. The production of white blood cells is regulated by the body's needs, with an increase in production during infection, disease, or stress.
Related Terms
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