Functions of Red Blood Cell- What do the white blood cell do?

White blood cell (WBCs) is one of the components of blood or plasma. These cells are also known as leukocytes. The white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow of large bones. Generally, each drop of blood contains approximately 7000 to 25000 white blood cells.

Types of white blood cells

White blood cells are mainly of five types; neutrophils (40% – 75%), eosinophils (5%), basophils (0.5%), lymphocytes (20% – 50%) and monocytes (1% – 5%). Out of these, netrophils, eosinophils and basophils are granulocytes. Where as, lymphocytes and monocytes are agranulocytes. Granulocytes are those WBCs which have granules in their matrix and which get stained. On the other hand, agranulocytes are those which do not have granules in their matrix and which do not get stained.

Functions of WBCs

The main function of the white blood cells is to immune the body from contagious diseases and other foreign materials such as viruses and bacteria. Different types of WBCs have different functions along with their primary function of immunization of the body. Neutrophils contain lactoferrin which prove to be toxic to viruses and bacteria. These cells also produce protein and thus assist in phagocytosis and pinocytosis. However, eosinophils contain MBP (major basic protein) which is toxic to the parasitic larvae. These cells also play a role in neutralizing the effect of histamine. The basophil cells contain histamine and other vasodilating agents that result in immediate hypersensitivity. This can result in high fever and asthma and anaphylactic shock. The monocytes assist in forming a cell network known as the monocyte-macrophage system. Many cells are derived from monocytes. Lymphocytes play a major role in the immune system of the body. The white blood cells also help in generating serums.

Diseases related to white blood cells

Leukopenia, leukocytosis and leukemia and lymphoma are some the diseases related to white blood cells. Leukopenia occurs when the white blood cell count is below the normal level. On the contrary, increase in the white blood cell count is known as leukocytosis. Cancer in white blood cells is termed as leukemia or lymphoma.

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