What are the two main groups of leukocytes?
- Neutrophils: They are the most abundant type of granulocyte and are the first line of defense against infection. They engulf and destroy foreign particles and bacteria.
- Eosinophils: These are involved in defending against parasitic infections and allergic reactions.
- Basophils: They are the least common type of granulocyte and are involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.
2. Agranulocytes:
- Lymphocytes: These are responsible for the body's immune response. There are three main types of lymphocytes:
-B lymphocytes (B cells): They produce antibodies to fight infections.
-T lymphocytes (T cells): They help B cells produce antibodies and destroy infected cells.
-Natural killer (NK) cells: These cells destroy infected cells and tumor cells.
- Monocytes: They are the largest type of leukocyte and are involved in phagocytosis (engulfing and destroying foreign particles). Monocytes can differentiate into macrophages, which are found in tissues and play an important role in the body's immune response.