White Blood Cells (WBCs)
It has occurred to me that possibly the white corpuscles may have the office of picking up and digesting bacterial organisms when by any means they find their way into the blood. The propensity exhibited by the leukocytes for picking up inorganic granules is well known, and that they may be able not only to pick up but to assimilate, and so dispose of, the bacteria which come in their way does not seem to me very improbable in view of the fact that amoebae, which resemble them so closely, feed upon bacteria and similar organisms - George Miller Sternberg
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White Blood Cells
White blood cells are a diverse group of cells, originating from different precursor cells. Although the specific functions of the white blood cell subtypes differ widely, all of them exist to defend the organism against non-endogenous agents in the broadest sense. Myeloid white blood cells are produced in bone marrow. Lymphoid cell development, however, is not restricted to bone marrow and takes place in primary and secondary lymphatic organs.
The total number of white blood cells in healthy adults ranges approximately between 4‒10 x106/µL, of which neutrophils and lymphocytes make up the majority. Monocytes, eosinophils and basophils are found in far smaller numbers in healthy…
Featured
The Immune System’s Weirdest Weapon
For decades, neutrophils have been miscast as mindless grunts. They’re more like super-soldiers.
Articles of Interest
How Spit Heals Wounds
Now we know that the nets created by your spit are better suited for battling bacteria than those made by white blood cells in other parts of the body, according to a team led by Ole Sorensen whose findings were published this month in the journal Blood.
Can White Blood Cells Spread Cancer?
White blood cells are part of our body's defense system. Their job is to attack invaders, and one of the first white blood cells sent out is the neutrophil. These neutrophils put out a trap to capture and destroy the invaders. But here's where it gets interesting, because in a new study, researchers say they have shown that these nets might actually activate and spread the cancer cells. It's the exact opposite of what you want. But there may be a way to counteract this problem.
Eosinophils, Basophils and Monocytes: What Do These Lab Results Mean?
What are eosinophils and basophils and monocytes? What are the function of these white cells? Dr. Susan Leclair helps us understand their function and structure.
New Study May Explain Why Stress Can Cause Heart Attacks
Scientists may have identified the connection between chronic stress and heart attacks, according to a new study: white blood cells. “[They] are important to fight infection and healing, but if you have too many of them, or they are in the wrong place, they can be harmful,” said Matthias Nahrendorf of the Harvard Medical School, who was a co-author of the study, Agence France-Presse reports.
Researchers Find Unexpected White Blood Cells in Patients With Mysterious Vaping Illness
New studies show that a rare type of macrophage is tied to several patients who have come down with the mysterious illness.
Scientists film death of white blood cell for first time and discover alert system
Australian and US scientists capture on video each stage of death of a human white blood cell, revealing the dying cells apparently try to alert their neighbours.
What if you had no white blood cells?
A single drop of blood contains nearly half a million white blood cells, so your body has to make lots of them every day.
White Blood Cells – Summary
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are immune cells that circulate in the blood and lymphatic system. There are 5 main types...
Resources
Physiopedia
Leukocytes (also called white blood cells) are a cellular component of the blood that lacks hemoglobin, has a nucleus and is capable of motility, They defend the body against infection and disease by: ingesting foreign materials and cellular debris; by destroying infectious agents and cancer cells; or by producing antibodies.
StatPearls
White blood cells, or leukocytes (Greek; leucko=white and cyte = cell), are part of the immune system participating in both the innate and humoral immune responses. They circulate in the blood and mount inflammatory and cellular responses to injury or pathogens.
The Histology Guide
White blood cells are much less common than red blood cells. There are five types of white blood cell (leucocyte). These are divided into two main classes Granulocytes (includes Neutrophils, Eosinophils and Basophils) Agranulocytes (includes Lymphocytes and Monocytes).
