Final answer:
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the components of the blood that are part of the body’s immune system. These include different subtypes, such as monocytes and lymphocytes, which protect the body against various threats. Leukocytes are formed in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the body via the blood and lymphatic systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Components of the Blood Involved in the Immune System
The component of the blood that is part of the body’s immune system is the white blood cells, or leukocytes. These cells include subtypes such as monocytes, which are precursors to macrophages, and lymphocytes. These immune cells are vital for protecting the body against pathogens, abnormal cells, and other potentially harmful invaders. While red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are more numerous and responsible for carrying oxygen, leukocytes act as the defenders of the body. Also involved in the immune system are platelets and the plasma containing antibodies, contributing to clotting and the humoral immune response respectively.
The formed elements of the blood include red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Of these, leukocytes are the key players in the body's immune response, being actively involved in identifying and targeting foreign threats. These cells are capable of circulation throughout the entire body, moving between blood and lymphatic systems through a process known as extravasation.
Leukocytes originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, and their activities are regulated at specific sites within the body. The lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes and vessels, works hand in hand with the blood circulatory system to enable the immune system to function effectively throughout the body.