white blood cells
Immune system soldiers
White blood cells are the cells in blood that fight infection and disease.
They're part of the immune system, identifying and destroying bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders.
A white blood cell count is a standard medical test; abnormally high or low counts can indicate infection, immune disorders, or certain cancers.
Also called leukocytes.
Pathogen-engulfing white blood cells
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- monocytesCirculating immune phagocytes
- eosinophilsGranular leukocytes fighting parasites
- basophilsHistamine-containing white blood cells
Blood cell production process
- bone marrowBlood cell birthplace
- thymusLymphoid organ maturing T-cells
- lymph nodesImmune system filters
- spleenBlood-filtering abdominal organ
differentiation · maturation · proliferation · cytokines · myeloid · lymphoid
Cellular ingestion of particles
- immunityProtected from harm
- defenseProtection against harm
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- inflammationProtective tissue response
chemotaxis · wound healing · allergic response · immune response · extravasation
Malignancy of blood-forming tissues
- lymphomaCancer from immune cells
- leukocytosisExcess circulating white cells
- leukopeniaLow white cell count
- neutropeniaInsufficient neutrophils in blood
immunodeficiency · HIV · AIDS · autoimmunity · allergies · sepsis · infection · differential
neutrophils
Pathogen-engulfing white blood cells
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- monocytesCirculating immune phagocytes
- eosinophilsGranular leukocytes fighting parasites
hematopoiesis
Blood cell production process
- bone marrowBlood cell birthplace
- thymusLymphoid organ maturing T-cells
- lymph nodesImmune system filters
spleen · differentiation · maturation · proliferation · cytokines · myeloid · lymphoid
phagocytosis
Cellular ingestion of particles
- immunityProtected from harm
- defenseProtection against harm
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
inflammation · chemotaxis · wound healing · allergic response · immune response · extravasation
leukemia
Malignancy of blood-forming tissues
- lymphomaCancer from immune cells
- leukocytosisExcess circulating white cells
- leukopeniaLow white cell count
neutropenia · immunodeficiency · HIV · AIDS · autoimmunity · allergies · sepsis · infection · differential · bone marrow biopsy
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
antigens · microbes · pathogens · foreign bodies · allergens · toxins
- cellscell theory, nerve cell, cell structure, brain cell, cell cycle
- immunityimmune, immunity, immune system, immune response, antibodies
- blood cellserythrocyte, platelet, leukocyte, leukocytes, erythrocytes
- Blood Componentsplasma, platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin
- blood testsCBC, CMP, hemoglobin, hematocrit, electrolytes
- immunity typesantibodies, vaccines, natural immunity, herd immunity, innate immunity
white blood cellsred blood cells
Oxygen-transporting components of circulation
erythrocytes · RBCs · platelets · hemoglobin