Generic function of leukocytes-leukocytosis and leukopenia

Question

Write down the generic function of leukocytes? And also give brief description of  leukocytosis and leukopenia?

Answer 1

The generic function of the leukocytes is to participate in defense of body against strange agents which penetrate it or are made inside the body.

Leukocytosis and leukopenia are clinical situations in which the count of leukocytes in a blood sample is uncharacteristic. When leukocyte count in a blood sample is above the normal level for individual leukocytosis is defined. When the leukocyte count is lower than the anticipated normal level leukopenia is defined. The multiplication of these defense cells, leukocytosis, basically takes place when the body is suffering infections or in cancers of these cells. Lowering of these defense cells, or leukopenia, takes place when some diseases attack the cells, like in AIDS, or when immune-suppressor drugs are employed.

In general the body makes leukocytosis as a defense reaction when it is facing infectious or pathogenic agents. The clinical situation of leukocytosis is thus a sign of infection. Leukopenia take place when there is a deficiency in production (for instance, in bone marrow diseases) or excessive destruction of the leukocytes (for instance, in case of a HIV infection).