WBC stands for White Blood Cell, also known as Leukocyte. These are a type of blood cell crucial for your immune system. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood and lymph tissue. Their primary function is to defend the body against infection and disease by attacking and destroying pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
There are different types of WBCs, each with a specific role in the immune response:
- Granulocytes: Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
- Monocytes: These are the largest type of WBC and can differentiate into macrophages, which engulf and digest pathogens.
- Lymphocytes: These include T cells and B cells, which play vital roles in adaptive immunity.
A White Blood Cell Count (WBC) is a common blood test that measures the number of WBCs in your blood. The normal range for an adult is between 4,000 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood. An elevated WBC count can indicate an infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. Conversely, a low WBC count, known as neutropenia, can make you more susceptible to infections.
