The main functions of leukocytes: a brief description

Leukocytes are one of the most important cells in the whole body. The fact is that they have many different functions. In this case, there is a large number of types of leukocytes. Each of them plays its unique role. To date, it is reliably known that all leukocytes are divided into the following varieties: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and T-lymphocytes. In this case, the functions of leukocytes in the blood vary depending on their type.

The role of neutrophils

Such cells are extremely important for humans. The fact is that they provide reliable protection to the body against all kinds of bacteria and other foreign bodies. They do it immediately in 2 ways. The first of them is carried out by means of phagocytosis. This process involves the absorption of foreign bacteria or parts thereof. The second is the isolation of special bactericidal and bacteriostatic substances.

Tasks of eosinophils

These cells are very important for the proper course of allergic and inflammatory processes. Realization of functions of leukocytes of this type allows the body to cope with various diseases more quickly.

Eosinophils, despite its importance for the body, sometimes render a person a disservice. It is a question of the fact that, if their number is excessive, the probability of developing allergic diseases increases.

Functions of basophils

Such cells have a sufficiently low ability to destroy foreign bodies. Functions of leukocytes of this type consist in the fact that when the organism is infected with an infection, its ability to spread is limited. This goal is achieved by isolating a large amount of histamine, which causes edema of the tissues. They also impede the spread of viruses, as well as bacteria.

Tasks of monocytes

Many are interested in what function the white blood cells of this type perform. The fact is that they have several tasks at once, from the realization of which the level of human security depends on all foreign, especially bacteria and viruses. First, they have developed abilities of phagocytosis. Secondly, monocytes produce special substances that take an active part in the formation of antibodies, which is also very important for immunity.

The role of T-lymphocytes

Functions of leukocytes of this type also consist in protecting the body from all foreign and harmful. First and foremost, we are talking about bacteria and viruses. T-lymphocytes suppress them by phagocytosis, as well as the release of special substances capable of destroying them or at least stopping / slowing their growth.

It is worth noting that this function does not stop this type of leukocytes. The fact is that they also participate in the destruction of mutated cells of the body itself. That is, T-lymphocytes are involved in the suppression of cancer processes.

The role of such a function of leukocytes (T-lymphocytes), as activation of the production of B-lymphocytes, which are responsible for maintaining humoral immunity, is also great. Without these cells, there can be no question of any reliable protection of the body.