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Lymphocyte: Spherical-core leukocyte type
What are lymphocytes - definition
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) produced in the red bone marrow.
Lymphocyte Function:
- Perform the body's defense against infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, allergenic substances and other hostile bodies that may penetrate the human body).
Main Features:
- They have spherical shape;
- They are mononuclear (presence of only one nucleus);
- They have blue color;
- They have a size between 5 and 8 micrometers;
In the human body of a healthy person there are between 1,000 and 4,000 lymphocytes per milliliter of blood. They are 20 to 30% of total leukocytes. When a person is stressed or depressed this number may fall, weakening their immune system. On the other hand, when a person has an infection, the number of lymphocytes grows, indicating that the immune system is fighting viruses or bacteria.
Lymphocyte Types and Their Functions:
- T lymphocyte - have the function of making blood antibodies, also acting on cellular immunity.
- Lymphocyte B - are responsible for the recognition of antigens (foreign bodies that enter the human body). They produce antibodies against antigens.
- NK (Natural Killers) cells - make up about 10% of lymphocytes present in the blood. They have the ability to attack and destroy cells hostile to the human body.
Biological curiosity:
- To keep our immune system healthy we must: have a healthy and diverse diet (rich in vitamins and minerals), avoid stress, do not smoke, do not abuse alcohol, sleep well and exercise regularly (not being sedentary).
