What are white blood cells?

1 Answer
Linica Uday
Oct 6, 2016

White blood cells ( WBC's or leukocytes ) are cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders.

Explanation:

Leukocytes are found throughout the body including the blood and lymphatic system. WBC's make up approximately 1% of the total blood volume in a healthy adult.

The number of leukocytes in the blood is often an indicator of disease. An increase in the number of leukocytes occurs as part of healthy immune response. It is abnormal if it is autoimmune in origin. A decrease below lower limit weakens the immune system.

All WBC's are nucleated. Based on physical and functional characteristics they can be further divided into :

  • neutrophils
  • eosinophils
  • basophils
  • lymphocytes
  • monocytes
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