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what is the main function of white blood cells ?
White blood cells are an important component of our blood system, which is also made up of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are essential for good health and protection against illness and disease.They flow through our bloodstream to battle viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders that threaten your health. When our body is in distress and a particular area is under attack, white blood cells rush in to help destroy the harmful substance and prevent illness.

White blood cells are produced inside the bone marrow and stored in our blood and lymphatic tissues. Because some white blood cells have a short lifespan of one to three days, our bone marrow is constantly producing them.Among our white blood cells are:

    Monocytes. They have a longer lifespan than many white blood cells and help to break down bacteria.

    Lymphocytes. They create antibodies to defend against bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful invaders.

    Neutrophils. They kill and digest bacteria and fungi. They are the most numerous type of white blood cell and your first line of defense when infection strikes.

    Basophils. These small cells appear to sound an alarm when infectious agents invade your blood. They secrete chemicals such as histamine, a marker of allergic disease, that help control the body's immune response.

    Eosinophils. They attack and kill parasites, destroy cancer cells, and help with allergic responses.


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