White Blood CellsLeukocytes or WBCs, are cells that fight and prevent disease. WBCs are characterized by:
1.) The ability to migrate out of the blood stream by squeezing between cells of the blood vessel. 2.) Spend most of their lifespan outside of the vessel. 3.) All move like amoebas. 4.) They are attracted to chemical signals, which let them know there is damage or foreign substance in the blood. 5.) Some are capable of Phagocytosis. There are five different types of Leukocytes: 1.) Neutrophils: most common, phagocyte (granular) 2.) Lymphocytes: nucleus is nearly as large as entire cell. (agranular) 3.) Monocytes: very large cells w/kidney-shaped nucleus. (Agranular) 4.) Eosinophils: figure-8 shaped nucleus. (granular) 5.) Basophils: least common with U/S shaped nucleus. (granular) |
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FunctionThe main task for leukocytes in the body are to fight disease. White blood cells are larger than red blood cells, and mostly defend against germs.
1.) Neutrophils: fight against acute, short-term infections. 2.) Lymphocytes: produce antibodies to fight tumors and viruses. 3.) Monocytes: fight chronic long-term diseases. 4.) Eosinophils: Kills parasitic worms. 5.) Basophils: Kills any foreign entities the others cannot take care of; also aid in allergies. |