Question

Why are WBCs called soldiers of the body?

Answer 1

WBCs

1. WBCs stand for White blood cells. These are also known as lymphocytes.
2. They are made in the bone marrow and are of different shapes and sizes with distinct functions.
3. WBCs majorly protect the body against pathogens by the method of phagocytosis and antibody secretion. Hence, contributing to the immune functions of the body.
4. WBCs that majorly contribute to the immune response are agranulocytes. Agranulocytes do not contain any granules and do not get stained and are of two types:
   1. Lymphocytes - are small in size and secrete antibodies in blood to destroy pathogens and their toxins.
   2. Monocytes - are larger and have kidney-shaped nuclei and prevent the body against pathogens by phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process by which WBCs engulf pathogens and kill them.

WBCs called soldiers of the body

1. Wherever there is injury, WBCs cause inflammation the leukocyte aggregates against such regions by squeezing through the blood vessels by the process of diapedesis and helping the body fight the pathogens present in that region.
2. WBCs collectively work to kill & fight against different pathogens and develop different immune responses against pathogens. Hence, they are called soldiers of the body.