list the important functions of white blood cells?
Answers
- White blood cells fight against the harmful foreign particles and organisms.
Answer:
Explanation:
Whit blood cells protect us as they are part of our “DEFENCE SYSTEM “.
Following are the names of white blood cells and their main function:
- Neutrophils (fight infections).
- Monocytes/ macrophages. (Fight infections and scavenging).
- Eosinophils.(Allergic reaction)
- Basophils. ( inflammatory/ allergic reactions)
- Lymphocytes (immunity).
Basophils release various components, including histamine (increases vascular permeability), serotonin, and heparin). They are also responsible for inflammatory reactions.
Eosinophils play a role in parasitic infections and allergic reactions. They released some cytokines and growth factors.
Monocytes are phagocytic (meaning they “ingest” particles). Monocytes also release cytokines (cell messengers). They can differentiate into other cells.
In the tissues they are macrophages (with specific names, depending on the tissues.
Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells.
Lymphocytes are non granulocytic cells that play a role in viral infections. They have two major types: B cells and T cells, but their function varies by subtype.
B cells release antibodies
T cells types include:
- Natural killer T cells, which target cells that have been infected by viruses and tumor cells.
- Cytotoxic T cells target virus-infected cells and tumor cells. (I won’t cover the difference between NK cells and cytotoxic T cells).
- Suppressor T cells regulate immunity and prevent autoimmunity.
- Helper T cells activate and help regulate other cells. They are critical to the production of antibodies by B cells and the destruction of infected cells by cytotoxic T cells. The HIV virus targets these cells, leading to immunodeficiency.
Neutrophils are phagocytic cells and the first responders. They target bacteria and fungus. They typically make up approximately 60% of white blood cells, their numbers generally increase in bacterial infections.