Types of White Blood Cells

Blood is the only fluid connective tissue, which functions by circulating and transporting oxygen, nutrients and other essential minerals to various cells and tissues of our body.

In humans, blood is mainly composed of plasma, blood cells and platelets. Overall, blood makes up 7 to 8 percent of total body weight and an average, healthy person possesses around 5 to 6 litres of blood.

A drop of blood contains millions of red blood cells, thousands of white blood cells and lakhs of blood platelets. Overall, a healthy adult human body comprises approximately 1.325 gallons of blood cells.

Types of Blood Cells

  • Erythrocytes (Red blood cells)
  • Leucocytes (White blood cells)
  • Thrombocytes (Blood platelets)

Explore more: Blood Cells.

Here, in this article let us explore more in detail about white blood cells.

What are White Blood Cells (WBCs)

WBC – White blood cells are also called leukocytes or leucocytes. They are cells of the immune system, which is mainly responsible for:

  • Protecting and fighting against invading pathogens
  • Stimulates the production of the progesterone hormone
  • Play a vital role in the human reproductive system by producing a network of blood vessels within the ovary

Also Refer: Human Reproductive System

On an average, the total count of white blood cells in every microliter of blood ranges between 4 and11 thousands and a healthy person will produce around 80 to 100 billions of white blood cells every day. The lifespan of white blood cells ranges between 13 and 20 days.

White blood cells are nucleotide blood cells which are white in color, hence they are called white blood cells. These blood cells are characterized into granulocytes and agranulocytes.

Explore more: Difference between Red Blood Cells and White Blood Cells

Types of White Blood Cells

There are five different types of white blood cells, which are classified mainly based on the presence and absence of granules.

Granulocytes: They are the type of white blood cells, with the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. The granulated cells include:

  • Basophil
  • Eosinophil
  • Neutrophils

Agranulocytes: They are the types of white blood cells, with the absence of granules in their cytoplasm. The a-granulated cells include:

  • Monocytes
  • Lymphocytes

This article concludes the introduction to white blood cells, their types, functions. Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more in detail about white blood cells and any other related topics, at BYJU’S Biology.

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