Leukocytes

Leukocytes are white blood cells that perform important functions in the human body. Their name comes from the Greek words "leukos", which means "white", and "shtos", which translates as "cell". Unlike red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide, white blood cells perform protective functions, playing an important role in the immune system.

Leukocytes have the ability to phagocytose, that is, absorb and destroy bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. They are also capable of amoeboid movement, which allows them to move within tissues and organs where infectious agents need to be destroyed.

All white blood cells originate from the bone marrow and can be divided into several types depending on their structure and function. For example, neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and are responsible for protecting the body from bacterial infections. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, play an important role in the adaptive immune response, which allows the body to develop specific defense mechanisms against specific infectious agents.

In addition to protective functions, leukocytes can also serve as an indicator of various diseases and conditions of the body. For example, an elevated white blood cell count may indicate infection or inflammation, while a low white blood cell count may be associated with a weakened immune response or other medical conditions.

Thus, white blood cells play an important role in maintaining the health of the body. They perform protective functions, fighting infectious agents, and can serve as an indicator of various diseases. Therefore, it is important to monitor the level of leukocytes in the blood and consult a doctor if symptoms associated with changes in their number in the body appear.