Transcript Blood
Largest of all blood cells
Cells are round but have prominent
nuclei of varying shapes and sizes
Normal Leukocyte count = 3,200 - 9800
5 types identified by size, shape of nucleus, and
the appearance of granles in the cytoplasm when they
are stained.
Granulocyte - (formed in the bone marrow)
Neutrophils - show lavender granules
Make up to 60% of leukocytes
Active in fighting infection
Eosinophils - have bead-like bright pink granules
Help protect the body from the numerous irritants
that causes allergies
Basophils - large dark blue granules that often
obscure the nucleus
Also function in allergic reactions but in addition
the secrete important substances such as “heparin,”
which helps prevent the clotting of blood.
Agranulocytes (absence of cytoplasmic granules
formed in lymph glands, nodes, and bone marrow)
Monocyte - largest of all WBCs and they function
as phagocytes. Are able to leave the blood stream to
attach themselves to tissues. When
they leave the blood stream they become
macrophages or histiocytes.
Lymphocytes - function in the
immune mechanism
Further divided into:
1. B-lymphocytes which produce antibodies
2. T-lymphocytes which directly attack the
microbes or aid in the function of B-lymphocytes
Phagocytosis - process when white cells surround
engulf, and digest harmful bacteria.
Diapedesis - when white cells move through capillary
wall into neighboring tissue.