White blood cells are an important part of the body’s immune
system. They’re responsible for protecting the human body against
infections and invading organisms. Following are the five types of
white blood cells:
- Neutrophils: Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell
important to fighting off infections — particularly those caused by
bacteria.
- Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are a type of immune cell that is made
in the bone marrow and is found in the blood and in lymph tissue.
The two main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes and T
lymphocytes. B lymphocytes make antibodies, and T lymphocytes help
kill tumor cells and help control immune responses.
- Monocytes: Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that fight
certain infections and help other white blood cells remove dead or
damaged tissues, destroy cancer cells, and regulate immunity
against foreign substances.
- Eosinophils: Eosinophils are a type of disease-fighting white
blood cell. This condition most often indicates a parasitic
infection, an allergic reaction or cancer.
- Basophils: Basophils appear in many specific kinds of
inflammatory reactions, particularly those that cause allergic
symptoms. Basophils contain anticoagulant heparin, which prevents
blood from clotting too quickly. They also contain the vasodilator
histamine, which promotes blood flow to tissues.