White blood cells

lineages

  1. common myeloid progenitor
    1. RBCs
    2. mast cell
    3. megakaryocyte → platelets
    4. myeloblast →
      1. basophil
      2. eosinophil
      3. neutrophil
      4. monocyte → macrophage
  2. common lymphoid progenitor
    1. NK cell
    2. T cells
    3. B cells

a few types

  1. Granulocytes
    1. neutrophils
    2. eosinophils
    3. basophils
  2. Monocytes
  3. Lymphocytes

granulocytes - neutrophils

  • migrate to sites of infection via chemotaxis (i.e. cells moving toward source of a chemical)
  • squeeze through pores of capillaries by diapedesis - Changes in inflammation
  • phagocytose bacteria
  • formation: myeloblast → promyelocyte → neutrophil myelocyte → ... → polymorphonuclear neutrophil
  • lifespan: 6 hours

monocytes + macrophages

  • circulates as monocytes which are precursors to macrophages
  • phagocytose bacteria and larger pathogens
  • formation:
  • lifespan: 72h
  • 90% in liver, 10% in spleen

#haematology #immune-system