White Blood Cells | Types and functions:
White Blood Cells are otherwise called as Leukocytes. The name
leukocyte derived from Greek word leuk means ‘white’, cyte means
‘cell’. WBC main role is to protect the body against microbes. WBC
surround microbes, engulf and destroy the foreign particles by
phagocytosis mechanism.
White Blood Cells are contain nuclei and some have granules in their
cytoplasm.
Types of white blood cells:
Granulocytes (polymorphonuclear leukocytes)
Agranulocytes
, Granulocytes:
Granulocytes are otherwise known as polymorphonuclear
leukocytes. These are originate from the bone marrow. Granulocyte
contains granules in their cytoplasm. Neutrophils , eosinophils,
basophils. In granulocytes, especially the basophils helps the body
fight with bacterial infections.
Neutrophils:
Neutrophils are act as the first line defense system. These are about
60% present in whole WBC. They are attracted in large numbers to
any area of infection by chemical substances, released by damaged
cells called chemotaxins. Neutrophils passed through the capillary
walls in the affected area by amoeboid movement. Neutrophils are
engulf and kill the microbes by phagocytosis. Their granules are
lysosomes that contain enzymes that digest the engulfed material.
Their normal range is between 2,500 to 7,500 neutrophils per
microliter of blood.
Functions of neutrophils:
Phagocytosis: Neutrophils are highly efficient phagocytes, meaning
they can engulf and digest microorganisms, such as bacteria and
fungi. They use their flexible cell membranes to surround and engulf
pathogens, forming a vesicle called a phagosome. Once the pathogen
is inside the phagosome, it is broken down by enzymes and other
antimicrobial substances.
Chemotaxis: Neutrophils can sense and move towards chemical
signals produced by microorganisms or damaged tissues. This
directional movement is called chemotaxis, and it helps neutrophils
navigate towards sites of infection or inflammation.
White Blood Cells are otherwise called as Leukocytes. The name
leukocyte derived from Greek word leuk means ‘white’, cyte means
‘cell’. WBC main role is to protect the body against microbes. WBC
surround microbes, engulf and destroy the foreign particles by
phagocytosis mechanism.
White Blood Cells are contain nuclei and some have granules in their
cytoplasm.
Types of white blood cells:
Granulocytes (polymorphonuclear leukocytes)
Agranulocytes
, Granulocytes:
Granulocytes are otherwise known as polymorphonuclear
leukocytes. These are originate from the bone marrow. Granulocyte
contains granules in their cytoplasm. Neutrophils , eosinophils,
basophils. In granulocytes, especially the basophils helps the body
fight with bacterial infections.
Neutrophils:
Neutrophils are act as the first line defense system. These are about
60% present in whole WBC. They are attracted in large numbers to
any area of infection by chemical substances, released by damaged
cells called chemotaxins. Neutrophils passed through the capillary
walls in the affected area by amoeboid movement. Neutrophils are
engulf and kill the microbes by phagocytosis. Their granules are
lysosomes that contain enzymes that digest the engulfed material.
Their normal range is between 2,500 to 7,500 neutrophils per
microliter of blood.
Functions of neutrophils:
Phagocytosis: Neutrophils are highly efficient phagocytes, meaning
they can engulf and digest microorganisms, such as bacteria and
fungi. They use their flexible cell membranes to surround and engulf
pathogens, forming a vesicle called a phagosome. Once the pathogen
is inside the phagosome, it is broken down by enzymes and other
antimicrobial substances.
Chemotaxis: Neutrophils can sense and move towards chemical
signals produced by microorganisms or damaged tissues. This
directional movement is called chemotaxis, and it helps neutrophils
navigate towards sites of infection or inflammation.
