Leukocyte

Leukocyte

A Leukocyte, also known as a white blood cell (WBC), is a type of cell found in the blood that is involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders. All leukocytes are produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. They are made up of both granulocytes (50-60%) and agranulocytes (40-50%).

Types of Leukocytes

There are five main types of leukocytes, which can be categorized as either granulocytes or agranulocytes:

• Neutrophils (50-70% of all leukocytes) are the most abundant type of leukocytes and form an essential part of the innate immune system. They are usually the first cells to arrive at the site of an infection.

• Lymphocytes (20-40%) are much less common in the blood but are a crucial part of the immune system. They consist of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells.

• Monocytes (2-8%) are the largest type of leukocyte and can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells.

• Eosinophils (1-6%) are responsible for combating multicellular parasites and certain infections in vertebrates.

• Basophils (<1%) are the least common type of leukocyte and are responsible for inflammatory reactions during immune response, as well as in the formation of acute and chronic allergic diseases.

Function

Leukocytes are crucial for the normal function of the immune system. They help to fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that invade the body. Leukocytes also have a role in inflammation, allergies, and in fighting cancer.

See also

• Red blood cell
• Platelet
• Hematopoiesis
• Immune system

References

Leukocyte Resources
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