White Blood Cells Overview

What is the primary function of basophils in the immune response?

Which of the following accurately describes lymphocytes?

What is the main role of histamine secreted by basophils?

Where do all lymphocytes begin their development?

Which characteristic is unique to agranulocytes compared to other white blood cells?

What is the primary role of neutrophils in the immune response?

Which of the following statements about WBCs is correct?

Which type of WBC is characterized by having few or no visible granules?

What is a notable characteristic of eosinophils?

How are WBCs primarily categorized?

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

A microliter of blood contains between 5000 and 10000 WBCs
WBCs are crucial for fighting infection.
There are 5 types of WBCs
All WBCs contain a nucleus, and other internal structures.

Granulocytes

Contain obvious granules (when viewed under a microscope)
There are 3 types of granulocytes:
Neutrophils
- Most abundant WBC
- Highly mobile, and can quickly move from blood vessels to tissue.
- Engulf and digest foreign materials.
- Dead neutrophils form the main component of pus
Eosinophils
- Found in large numbers in the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Basophils
- Involved in allergic reactions and killing parasites
- Have limited phagocytic ability.
- Secrete heparin (an anticoagulant) to prevent clotting and allow WBC entry.
- Secrete histamine, which causes blood vessels to leak and attract WBCs.

Agranulocytes

Lack cytoplasmic granules.
Include lymphocytes and monocytes.

Lymphocytes

The second most numerous WBC
Smallest of the WBCs
Responsible for long-term immunity.
Two types of T lymphocytes:
- T lymphocytes: directly attack infected or cancerous cells.
- B lymphocytes: produce antibodies against specific antigens.
All lymphocytes start in the bone marrow, with some maturing there, and others migrating to the thymus to finish developing.
After maturation, lymphocytes colonize the organs and tissues of the lymph system, like the spleen and lymph nodes.
Continuously cycle between the bloodstream and lymph system.
Can survive for weeks to decades.

This quiz covers the essential aspects of white blood cells (WBCs), including their types and functions. Learn about granulocytes and agranulocytes, their roles in the immune response, and specific characteristics of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Test your knowledge of how these cells protect the body against infections and diseases.