Final answer:
White blood cells can be classified into five main types: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils (all granulocytes), and lymphocytes and monocytes (both agranulocytes). Each type has specialized immune functions, with neutrophils being the most common, and their levels can indicate various health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are five main types of white blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes. They play a crucial role in the body's immune system and can be categorized into two main groups: granulocytes and agranulocytes.
- Granulocytes include:
- Agranulocytes include:
Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells and are the body's first line of defense against bacterial infections. Eosinophils are primarily involved in combating parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Basophils release histamine during allergic responses and are least common. Lymphocytes are vital for the immune response and consist of B-cells, T-cells, and natural killer cells. Monocytes become macrophages when they leave the bloodstream and are effective at digesting pathogens and dead cells.
All these cell types have specialized functions in protecting the body against different pathogens and can be identified by their appearance after histological staining. The presence and levels of these white blood cells can indicate a range of disease conditions.