2006-09-27 03:20:19 · 12 answers · asked by ishtiaq h 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
To fight illnesses. They are like a little army in your blood.
2006-09-27 03:21:53 · answer #1 · answered by Sweet! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
leukocyte
also called white blood cell
a cellular component of the blood that defends the body against infection and disease by ingesting foreign materials and cellular debris, by destroying infectious agents and cancer cells, or by producing antibodies. Leukocytes are found within tissues, where they fight infections, and in circulation. On the basis of their appearance under a light microscope, leukocytes are grouped into three major classes—lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes—each of which carries out somewhat different functions.
Lymphocytes, which are further divided into B and T cells, are responsible for the specific recognition of foreign agents and their subsequent removal from the host.
Granulocytes, the most numerous of the leukocytes, rid the body of large pathogenic organisms such as protozoans or helminths and are also key mediators of allergy and other forms of inflammation.
Monocytes, which constitute up to 7 percent of the total number of white blood cells in the blood, move from the blood to sites of infection, where they differentiate further into macrophages. These cells are scavengers that phagocytose whole or killed microorganisms and are therefore effective at direct destruction of pathogens and cleanup of cellular debris from sites of infection .
2006-09-27 03:29:41 · answer #2 · answered by Britannica Knowledge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
White blood cells (a.k.a. leukocytes) are cells which form a component of the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and help to defend the body against infectious disease and foreign materials as part of the immune system.
2006-09-27 03:28:16 · answer #3 · answered by Diana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
White blood cells (also known as leukocytes) are cells which form a component of the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and help to defend the body against infectious disease and foreign materials as part of the immune system. There are normally between 7,000 to 25,000 white blood cells per drop. In conditions such as leukemia this may rise to as many as 50,000 white blood cells in a single drop of blood. As well as in the blood, white cells are also found in large numbers in the lymphatic system, the spleen, and in other body tissues. There are different types of white blood cells:
1) granulocytes: neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils (named according to their staining properties).
2) agranulocytes
3) lymphocytes: B cells, T cells and natural killer cells
4) monocytes
Each one of those leukocytes acts in different parts of the immunization process and they are all needed in order to maintain our body free from infections (bacteria, virus, protozoa).
2006-09-27 03:49:53 · answer #4 · answered by Helena G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The body makes three types, each designed to fight certain things out of blood and your system. There needs to be a healthy balance between white and red for you too be healthy. Too many will begin to kill the red cells, too few will make you very sick.
2006-09-27 03:28:47 · answer #5 · answered by Slutlana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WBC are a category of blood cells involved in immunity. There are many different kinds (macrophages, leukocyctes, etc) that all help find and fight infections in the body.
2006-09-27 06:38:52 · answer #6 · answered by natureutt78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are part of the body's defense system against infection and diseases.
2006-09-27 06:50:05 · answer #7 · answered by zoogrl2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They fight off infection when you have a open wound or your just plain sick
2006-09-27 03:28:35 · answer #8 · answered by Dee I 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like the anti virus in your computer.
2006-09-27 03:28:11 · answer #9 · answered by Chri R 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to fight infection at the cite of wounds and cuts
2006-09-27 03:22:03 · answer #10 · answered by ♥SUGAR♥ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋