What are white blood cells?

Hijab Fatima

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May 21, 2021

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White Blood Cells(WBCs) are immunologically active cells. They protect us against illness and diseases. They play an important role in our immune system. Our white blood cells accounts for only 1% of our whole blood but their impact is big. If our body sense any foreign invader they become active and kill that invaded bodies. White blood cells are also called leucocytes. They flow through our blood to fight against viruses , bacteria and other foreign bodies.

TYPES

There are two major types of WBCs

Granulocytes

Agranulocytes

GRANULOCYTES :These include Neutrophils ,Eosinophils, Basophils

Neutrophils: These are most abundant white blood cells that make up 40 to 60% of WBCS . These are the first cells that arrive to the place where their is bacterial attack.

Eosinophils: They fight against parasitic infection that have been flagged for destruction in our immune system. Eosinophils help promote inflammation which play a beneficial role in isolating and controlling a disease site.

Basophils: These are the cells that respond to an allergen. They respond to allergen by releasing histamine , which is partially responsible for inflammation during an allergic reaction . They also an integral role in preventing blood clotting . They release heparin that prevent blood clotting and keep the blood flowing smoothly through the vessels .

AGRANULOCYTES These include Monocytes and Lymphocytes

Monocytes: They are the biggest type of white blood cells in the immune system . They are also called macrophages . They first formed in the bone marrow and then released into our blood and tissues and fight against bacteria, viruses and fungi . Lymphocytes: These are the major cells that play an important role in the immune system . There are two main types of lymphocyte . T-Lymphocyte and B- Lymphocyte .