Band neutrophil

Band neutrophil is a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system. They are also known as band cells, stab cells, or band form neutrophils. Band neutrophils are an intermediate stage in the maturation of neutrophils, a type of granulocyte that plays a crucial role in the body's defense against bacterial infections.

Formation and Function

Band neutrophils are formed in the bone marrow from myeloblasts, which are immature cells. The myeloblasts differentiate into promyelocytes, then myelocytes, and finally into band neutrophils. The band neutrophils will then mature into segmented neutrophils, which are the most common type of white blood cell in the human body.

The primary function of band neutrophils is to fight off bacterial infections. They do this by phagocytosis, a process in which they engulf and destroy bacteria. Band neutrophils also play a role in the inflammatory response, helping to control inflammation in the body.

Clinical Significance

An increase in the number of band neutrophils, known as a left shift, can be an indication of a bacterial infection or inflammation. This is because the body produces more of these cells to fight off the infection. Conversely, a decrease in the number of band neutrophils can be a sign of a condition called neutropenia, which can make a person more susceptible to infections.

Complete blood count (CBC) tests often include a count of band neutrophils, as their levels can provide important information about a person's health.

See Also

• Neutrophil
• White blood cell
• Granulocyte
• Bone marrow
• Phagocytosis
• Inflammatory response
• Left shift
• Neutropenia
• Complete blood count