White Blood Cells Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is White Blood Cells?

White Blood Cells are an essential part of the human body’s immune system, responsible for defending us against infection and disease. They are produced by the white pulp of the spleen and lymph nodes, as well as other organs such as the bone marrow. White Blood Cells come in several varieties, each with its own unique role in defending our bodies against pathogens. These include neutrophils, which engulf and destroy bacteria; eosinophils, which target parasites; lymphocytes, which work to identify and eliminate foreign cells; monocytes, which act as scavengers that mop up debris from damaged or dead cells; basophils and mast cells that initiate inflammation to fight off infection; and natural killer cells that target cancerous or infected cells. White Blood Cells travel through our bloodstreams in search of potential threats to attack and destroy. When they find a foreign substance they release chemicals called cytokines that cause inflammation around the affected area while also calling on other immune system components such as T-cells to join in fighting off the pathogen. White Blood Cells serve an important role in keeping us healthy by quickly recognizing any foreign invaders so we can get rid of them before they have a chance to cause illness or infection. In addition to their primary role in protecting us from infectious diseases, White Blood Cells also play important roles in wound healing since their presence is necessary for proper healing of damaged tissues. Without enough White Blood Cells we may suffer more severe illnesses due to our weakened immune system’s inability to fight infection effectively. It’s therefore important for us to keep our levels healthy through good nutrition, getting enough sleep and exercise, minimizing stress levels, avoiding smoking and drugs like alcohol- all activities which can help us maintain optimal numbers of these vital defenders within our bodies.