WBCs, or White Blood Cells, are also called leukocytes.
Leukocytes are a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against infections, diseases, and foreign invaders. These cells circulate throughout the body, constantly monitoring for threats and initiating immune responses when necessary.
Types of Leukocytes
There are five main types of leukocytes, each with specialized functions:
- Neutrophils: The most abundant type, they are phagocytic and engulf bacteria and fungi.
- Lymphocytes: Include T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, playing key roles in adaptive immunity. T cells directly kill infected cells or regulate the immune response, B cells produce antibodies, and NK cells target infected or cancerous cells.
- Monocytes: Differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, which are phagocytic and present antigens to T cells, initiating an immune response.
- Eosinophils: Fight parasitic infections and are involved in allergic reactions.
- Basophils: Release histamine and other mediators involved in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Function of Leukocytes
The primary function of leukocytes is to protect the body from harmful substances and pathogens. They achieve this through various mechanisms, including:
- Phagocytosis: Engulfing and destroying pathogens and cellular debris.
- Antibody production: Neutralizing pathogens and marking them for destruction.
- Cell-mediated immunity: Directly killing infected or cancerous cells.
- Inflammation: Recruiting immune cells to the site of infection or injury.
Understanding the different types and functions of leukocytes is essential for comprehending the complexities of the immune system and how the body defends itself against disease.
