(also spelled leukocytes), commonly known as white blood cells (WBCs) , are the mobile units of the body's defensive system. They are produced in the bone marrow and lymph tissue and are distributed throughout the blood and lymphatic systems. Unlike red blood cells, all leucocytes have nuclei, which is their primary distinguishing feature. Classification of Leucocytes
: Certain leucocytes, like neutrophils and macrophages, ingest and destroy harmful germs and cellular debris. leucocyte
The primary role of leucocytes is to protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign entities. They achieve this through several critical processes: (also spelled leukocytes), commonly known as white blood
: They move from the bloodstream into tissues via the lymphatic vasculature using chemokine-directed "amoeboid movement". Leucocytes are generally classified by their cell lineage
Leucocytes are generally classified by their cell lineage into or lymphoid cells and further divided based on the presence of granules in their cytoplasm: Granulocytes : Contain visible granules and include:
: Release histamine and other chemicals during inflammatory reactions. Agranulocytes : Lack visible granules and include: