Types of white blood cells and their functions

white blood cells are colorless and lack hemoglobin. they are larger than RBC and have a distinct oval or lobed nucleus. White blood cells fight against germs and other foreign bodies that cause diseases. It is responsible for providing immunity to our bodies. Therefore, it is called the soldier of the body.

The main function of WBC is to protect us from diseases. White blood cells provide immunity to the body. 

By in two ways :

1. Some WBC surrounds the germs and digests them. 
2. Some other WBC produces special chemicals called antibodies that destroy the germs.
3. Total leucocyte count (TLC) varies between 4000  and 11000 per cubic millimeter but 8000 per cubic mm is a normal average value.

Types of white blood cells:

               Neutrophils       55 - 60  %

                Eosinophils       1 - 4     %,

                Basophils            0 - 1   %,

                Monocytes         5  - 10  %,

                Lymphocytes     30  - 35  %.

White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. WBC have different life spans. Different types of leucocytes in the blood. 

One types of leucocytes have a multilobed nucleus called polymorphonuclear cell or PMN. In its cytoplasm, it has many lysosomes that contain digestive enzymes. Depending upon these granules strain the cell is called a neutrophil, eosinophil, or basophil. They function in an allergic reaction, releasing histamines.

Eosinophils are the third type of leukocytes, representing about two percent of the total number. They have red cytoplasmic granules with an acidic dye as eosin. They are to neutralize the active chemicals in basophil granules.

Other major phagocytes of the circulatory system are the monocytes, this cell has a single, bean-shaped nucleus, occupying a major area of the cytoplasm. There are no granules.

They form a type of phagocyte called the macrophage. 

Another type of leukocytes in the lymphocytes. they are produced in the bone marrow and transported to lymph nodes. This cell has a single, large nucleus but no granules. The function of lymphocytes is the immune system.


Also, read hemoglobin