Difference between revisions of "White blood cell"
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| − | '''White blood cells''' are a component of [[blood]]. As part of the body's [[immune system]], their function is to protect the body from disease and infection. White blood cells come in several varieties, each with a different role to play in | + | '''White blood cells''' are a component of [[blood]]. As part of the body's [[immune system]], their function is to protect the body from disease and infection. White blood cells come in several varieties, each with a different role to play in neutralizing harmful foreign substances. White blood cells, like all [[blood cells]], are produced in the [[bone]] marrow. |
| − | They are also known as leukocytes. | + | They are also known as leukocytes. There are five main types of leukocytes, and these types are produced from immature cells in the [[lymphatic system]] in response to the body's needs. For example, infection with bacteria will cause more [[macrophage]]s to be produced and fewer NK cells, in response to "alarm signals" called [[chemokine]]s. |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 19:16, July 26, 2008
White blood cells are a component of blood. As part of the body's immune system, their function is to protect the body from disease and infection. White blood cells come in several varieties, each with a different role to play in neutralizing harmful foreign substances. White blood cells, like all blood cells, are produced in the bone marrow.
They are also known as leukocytes. There are five main types of leukocytes, and these types are produced from immature cells in the lymphatic system in response to the body's needs. For example, infection with bacteria will cause more macrophages to be produced and fewer NK cells, in response to "alarm signals" called chemokines.