What are the individual functions of each type of white blood cell?
• Neutrophils, the most common white blood cells, are infection-fighters that increase during bacterial or fungal infections. • Lymphocytes are responsible for the immune response and regulation of antibody production. They are increased in some leukemias. • Monocytes are another type of phagocyte that ingests foreign cells. These may increase in some leukemias (different types from those that increase the lymphocytes). • Eosinophils are a type of phagocyte that increases during allergic attacks and some parasitic infestations. • Basophils control inflammation and damage to the body. They increase in some blood diseases and poisoning.
