White Boys

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

White blood cells (leukocytes or leucocytes), pronounced /ˈluːkəsaɪts/, are the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders. The name "white blood cell" comes from the physical appearance of a blood sample after centrifugation. White cells are found in the buffy coat, a thin, typically white layer of nucleated cells between the sedimented red blood cells and the blood plasma.

Etymology

The term "leukocyte" directly translates to "white cell" (leuko- from the Greek leukos meaning white, and cyte from the Greek kytos meaning cell). This name is derived due to the cells' appearance after centrifugation, where they form a thin white layer, referred to as the buffy coat, between the red blood cells and plasma in the test tube.

Types of White Blood Cells

There are five main types of white blood cells, each with different functions in the immune system. These include:

• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils
• Basophils

Function

White blood cells are a key component of the body's immune system, helping to fight off diseases and infections. They do this by identifying and eliminating pathogens, which are harmful or disease-causing organisms.

Related Terms

• Immune System
• Pathogens
• Buffy Coat
• Centrifugation

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on White Boys
• Wikipedia's article - White Boys

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