White corpuscle

White Corpuscle

A white corpuscle, also known as a leukocyte or white blood cell, is a cellular component of the blood that functions primarily in the body's immune response. Unlike red blood cells, white corpuscles are not primarily involved in oxygen transport but play a crucial role in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials.

Types of White Corpuscles

White corpuscles are classified into five main types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each type has a unique function in the immune response and can be distinguished by its appearance under a microscope.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white corpuscle and are the first to arrive at the site of an infection. They are phagocytic, meaning they can engulf and destroy bacteria and other foreign substances.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are responsible for the body's adaptive immune response. They are divided into B cells, which produce antibodies, and T cells, which destroy infected cells and help regulate the immune response.

Monocytes

Monocytes are the largest type of white corpuscle and can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells in response to an infection.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are involved in the immune response to parasitic infections and allergic reactions.

Basophils

Basophils release histamine during allergic reactions and play a role in the immune response to parasites.

Production and Regulation

White corpuscles are produced in the bone marrow from a common progenitor cell known as a hematopoietic stem cell. The production and release of white corpuscles is regulated by a variety of factors, including the presence of infection and the levels of certain hormones in the body.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal levels of white corpuscles in the blood can indicate a variety of medical conditions. A high white corpuscle count, or leukocytosis, can indicate an infection, inflammation, or certain types of cancer. A low white corpuscle count, or leukopenia, can be caused by certain medications, autoimmune diseases, or problems with bone marrow function.