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Whenever a germ or infection enters the body, the white blood cells snap to attention and race toward the scene of the crime. The white blood cells are continually on the lookout for signs of disease. When a germ does appear, the white blood cells have a variety of ways by which they can attack. Some will produce protective antibodies that will overpower the germ. Others will surround and devour the bacteria. | |||
Revision as of 22:53, 16 February 2014
White Blood Cells
Whenever a germ or infection enters the body, the white blood cells snap to attention and race toward the scene of the crime. The white blood cells are continually on the lookout for signs of disease. When a germ does appear, the white blood cells have a variety of ways by which they can attack. Some will produce protective antibodies that will overpower the germ. Others will surround and devour the bacteria.
White blood cells, or leukocytes (also spelled "leucocytes"), are the cells of the immune system that are involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Five different and diverse types of leukocytes exist, and several types (including monocytes and neutrophils) are phagocytic. All leukocytes are produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. They live for about three to four days in the average human body. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, including the blood and lymphatic system.
Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is also a key component of the lymphatic system, producing the lymphocytes that support the body's immune system.
Reference
Wiki White Blood cell
Term first found in HGS Manual: Page 49