White blood cells

White blood cells (also known as leukocytes or leucocytes) are the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders. All white blood cells are produced and derived from multipotent cells in the bone marrow known as hematopoietic stem cells.

Types of White Blood Cells

There are five main types of white blood cells, which include:

• Neutrophils: These are the most common type of white blood cell and are first to respond to infections.
• Lymphocytes: These white blood cells are part of the immune system and are divided into B and T cells.
• Monocytes: These cells have longer life spans than many white blood cells and help to break down bacteria.
• Eosinophils: These cells are responsible for combating multicellular parasites and certain infections in vertebrates.
• Basophils: These are the least common of the white blood cells and are responsible for allergic and antigen response by releasing the chemical histamine causing the dilation of blood vessels.

Function

White blood cells are an essential part of the body's immune system. They help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body. White blood cells originate in the bone marrow but circulate throughout the bloodstream.

Disorders Related to White Blood Cells

There are several disorders related to white blood cells, which include:

• Leukemia: This is a group of blood cancers that usually begins in the bone marrow and results in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells.
• Lymphoma: This is a group of blood cell tumors that develop from lymphocytes.
• Myeloma: This is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies.

See Also

• Red blood cells
• Platelets
• Hematopoiesis
• Immune system

White blood cells Resources
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