What Are the Primary Functions of White Blood Cells?
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells. The Merck Manual explains how neutrophils serve to protect the body from invading bacteria as well as fungi. When neutrophils encounter an invading bacterium, they can release toxic chemicals that kill bacteria. Neutrophils can also eat bacteria through the process of phagocytosis. Monocytes, another type of white blood cell, can also scavenge the body for invading microorganisms and similarly eat or eliminate them through the process of phagocytosis.
