What is the colour and shape of white blood cells?

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

• Other Name: White blood cells (WBCs) are also called leukocytes.
• Function: They serve as a defense mechanism against infections in the human body.
• Antibody Production: WBCs produce antibodies, proteins that identify and neutralize foreign agents such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
• Types: Some WBCs have visible granules (granulocytes), while others do not (agranulocytes).
• Blood Volume: WBCs constitute about 1% of total blood volume. They are colorless due to the absence of hemoglobin.
• Shape and Appearance: WBCs have an irregular shape and appear white, as their name suggests.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of WBCs varies depending on their type. Once aged or damaged, they are removed by the lymphatic system. Immature WBCs, also known as bands or stabs, are released from the bone marrow into circulation.

Note: Phagocytosis

• Definition: Phagocytosis is the process by which certain cells engulf and destroy foreign particles or pathogens such as bacteria and infected cells using lytic enzymes.
• In Simple Organisms: Single-celled organisms like amoeba use this mechanism for digesting food particles.
• In Humans: Specialized WBCs, such as neutrophils and macrophages, perform phagocytosis to protect the body by consuming harmful microbes, dead cells, and debris.
• Role in Immunity: This process is crucial for the immune system, preventing the spread of infections and eliminating pathogens effectively.