White blood cells are part of our body's defense system against infections and foreign particles like germs and bacteria that we come in contact with daily. There are about 500,000 white blood cells in every drop of blood. White blood cells have a short life-span of only a few days. They are much larger than red blood cells but they have the ability to change shape so that they can move into spaces where they are needed. There are five types of white blood cells.
Basophils are the least common type of white blood cells, making up about 0.5% of the total volume of white blood cells in the human body. Basophils have highly specific receptors that trigger a response to various allergens. They react immediately for immunity purposes, fighting off these allergens and germs by releasing histamines.
Eosinophils make up about 2% - 5% of the total blood count. They have the main function of attacking parasites and any antigen complexes. These cells are also responsible for allergic response within the blood as studies have proven their increase in the nasal and bronchial mucosal linings.
Lymphocytes are the most abundant white blood cells found in young children and the second most abundant in older children and adults. Lymphocytes circulate through the blood stream and take in samples of their environment. If anything foreign is detected like toxins from bacteria and germs, the lymphocytes will produce anti-bodies to attack and kill these off.
Monocytes, the largest of the five types of white blood cells make up about 5% - 8% of the total white blood count. Monocytes eventually leave the bloodstream to become tissue macrophages. These remove dead cell debris as well as attack organisms such as Tubercule Bacilli (which causes TB) and some fungi which cannot be effectively dealt with by the neutrophils.
One of the most abundant and important types of white blood cells are Neutrophils which make up 55% - 70% of the total white blood count. Neutrophils will flock to areas of infection or injury and engulf chemicals released by bacteria and dead tissue cells. Then they work to destroy these harmful chemicals with their powerful enzymes.