Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Leukocytes

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Leukocytes

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Problem 14

Textbook Question

Which kinds of WBCs contribute to the body's nonspecific defenses?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that nonspecific defenses are part of the innate immune system, which provides a general defense against pathogens without targeting specific invaders.

Recall that white blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are categorized into different types based on their structure and function. Some of these WBCs are involved in nonspecific defenses.

Identify the types of WBCs that contribute to nonspecific defenses: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes (which differentiate into macrophages), and natural killer (NK) cells.

Explain the roles of these WBCs: Neutrophils perform phagocytosis to engulf and destroy pathogens; eosinophils target larger parasites and modulate allergic responses; basophils release histamine to promote inflammation; monocytes/macrophages engulf pathogens and present antigens; NK cells destroy infected or abnormal cells.

Summarize that these WBCs work together to provide a rapid, nonspecific response to infections or injuries, forming the first line of defense before the adaptive immune system is activated.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against infections and foreign invaders. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Different types of WBCs play various roles in immune responses, including both specific and nonspecific defenses.

Nonspecific Defenses

Nonspecific defenses are the body's first line of defense against pathogens, acting immediately or within hours of an antigen's appearance. These defenses include physical barriers like skin, as well as immune responses involving WBCs such as neutrophils and macrophages, which engulf and destroy pathogens without targeting specific invaders. This broad approach helps to prevent infections before the adaptive immune system is activated.

Types of WBCs in Nonspecific Immunity

Several types of WBCs contribute to nonspecific immunity, including neutrophils, which are the first responders to infection, and macrophages, which engulf and digest pathogens. Natural killer (NK) cells also play a role by targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells. These cells work together to provide a rapid and generalized response to a wide range of pathogens.