Definition - What does Leukocytes mean?
Leukocytes are white blood cells. These cells are manufactured by the body's bone marrow and circulate through the blood and lymph system. Leukocytes are an important component of the body's immune system.
There are several different types of leukocytes and each performs a different function within the body. The collection of leukocytes categorized as granular destroy foreign materials in the body by absorbing those substances and breaking them down. Other leukocytes, referred to as nongranular, produce antibodies that fight infections and diseases.
Another name for leukocytes is white blood cells (WBC).
SureHire explains Leukocytes
Medical professionals may order a blood test to measure the level of leukocytes in a person's blood as part of a health examination. This test is useful because the presence or absence of leukocytes in the body can be an indication of a person's overall health. For example, a high white blood cell count may evidence that the body is fighting a mild infection or other illness.
In some instances, a low leukocyte count may indicate that an infection has lowered the body's ability to produce white blood cells. A low count may also be an indicator or cancer or an autoimmune disease that destroys bone marrow cells or white blood cells directly.
