White blood cell (leukocyte)

Content provided by Healthwise

White blood cell (leukocyte)

White blood cells are made in the bone marrow and protect the body against infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism causing it.

White blood cells are bigger than red blood cells and normally are fewer in number. When a person has a bacterial infection, the number of white cells can increase dramatically.

The white blood cell count shows the number of white blood cells in a sample of blood. A normal white blood cell count is between 5,000 and 10,000 cells per cubic millimeter. The number of white blood cells is sometimes used to identify an infection or to monitor the body's response to treatment.

There are five types of white blood cells: lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.