What are White Blood Cells?
They are amoeboid, nucleated, and non-pigmented cellular components of the blood or lymph. White blood cells are also known as leucocytes and are slightly larger than the red blood cells. Their size ranges between 8-15 µm. There are 5 types of white blood cells found in the human body. They are neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and leukocytes. White Blood Cells (WBCs) are mostly formed in the bone marrow and play a crucial role in the body’s defence mechanism.
A healthy human has an average of 7000 leucocytes per cubic milliliter of blood. If the count rises above 20,000 per cubic milliliter, the white blood cell increases causes leukocytosis whereas if the count falls below 4000 per cubic millilitre, the condition is termed as leucopenia.
Also Read: RBC and WBC
Types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Functions
Types of white blood cells and functions are important for understanding the white blood cells’ normal value in the human body and function. White Blood Cells are also known as leucocytes. Types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) are Neutrophils, Basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. White blood cell lifespan is relatively short but plays a vital role in defending the body against infections and maintaining immune function.
Further granulocytes are grouped as neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils whereas agranulocytes are grouped into monocytes and lymphocytes. Together these cells play a crucial role in the immune system and are hence sometimes called the soldiers of the body. In this article, we will read Types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Functions in detail.
Table of Content
- What are White Blood Cells?
- White Blood Cell Diagram
- Types of White Blood Cells
- Functions of White Blood Cells
- Conclusion – White Blood Cells (WBCs)
- FAQs on White Blood Cells (WBCs)