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What is a White Blood Cell?

Michael Anissimov
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 77,466
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White blood cells are the body’s sentries, serving as the backbone of the immune system. White cells are found throughout the body, in both the blood and the lymphatic system. These blood cells have a density of about 4-11 billion per liter of blood. The scientific name for a white blood cell is leukocyte, simply meaning “white cell.”

White blood cells get their name from their color – white. This color was first discovered when blood was put into high-speed centrifuges and separated into its components. In healthy individuals, white cells make up about 1% of the blood. In sick individuals, this percentage increases substantially. The ratio of white cells in the blood can be used to diagnose illness.

There are several different types of white blood cells, all with subtly varying functions. Some of the most common are neutrophils (65%), lymphocytes (25%), monocytes (6%), eosinophils (4%), and basophils (1%). White cells originate from stem cells in bone marrow. Scientists are working on ways to use stem cells to mass-produce white blood cells at will, which could be used for immune-boosting therapies.

Neutrophils are the most common and the first line of defense against bacterial and fungal infections. Pus consists of large numbers of dead neutrophils. Neutrophils, like most white cells, engage in phagocytosis, that is, the consumption and digestion of bacteria or other foreign materials. Neutrophils can detect if a cell is part of the body or foreign by checking the molecules on its surface. Neutrophils function as suicide bombers – they cannot replenish the lysosomes used to digest microbes, so after killing a few bacteria or fungi, they simply die.

Lymphocytes are the second most common type of white blood cell. There are a variety of different lymphocytes. Their functions include the production of antibodies — protein tags that help the body identify invaders — immune system coordination, and destruction of body cells which have become contaminated with foreign material.

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Michael Anissimov
By Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated The Health Board contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism to his articles. An avid blogger, Michael is deeply passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. His professional experience includes work with the Methuselah Foundation, Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Lifeboat Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement.
Discussion Comments
By anon350549 — On Oct 06, 2013

Can you name the parts?

By anon321465 — On Feb 22, 2013

What is the scientific reason for abnormal white blood cells?

By anon180204 — On May 25, 2011

my wbc is only 3.6. am i in danger?

By hyrax53 — On Feb 24, 2011

@ameraus, either low or high white blood cell count could be caused by any number of conditions, including a nutrient deficiency or another illness that affects immunity. I would imagine she needs to get other tests to determine the cause.

By widget2010 — On Feb 22, 2011

If you want to think about things like white blood cells in a more fun light, there are stuffed toys called Giant Microbes that make great toys for anyone. I got some at thinkgeek.com, but I think you can buy them other places too. They have ones like the white blood cells, which are adorable, but also many different disease microbes. I have both the white blood cell and the mononucleosis, and they're so cute. They can be great for getting kids interested in science, especially biology.

By ameraus — On Jul 09, 2008

My wife has just been told that her white blood count is slightly high and am wondering if her having MS could cause this?? Or what other reasons could cause this?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated The Health Board contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology...
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