The leukocyte, commonly known as a white blood cell (or WBC), is a major component of the body’s defenses against disease. Leukocytes protect the body against invading microorganisms and body cells wi...The leukocyte, commonly known as a white blood cell (or WBC), is a major component of the body’s defenses against disease. Leukocytes protect the body against invading microorganisms and body cells with mutated DNA, and they clean up debris. Platelets are essential for the repair of blood vessels when damage to them has occurred; they also provide growth factors for healing and repair.
The inflammatory response is an attempt by the body to restore and maintain homeostasis after injury and is an integral part of body defense. Most of the body defense elements are located in the blood...The inflammatory response is an attempt by the body to restore and maintain homeostasis after injury and is an integral part of body defense. Most of the body defense elements are located in the blood and inflammation is the means by which body defense cells and defense chemicals leave the blood and enter the tissue around the injured or infected site. Inflammation is essentially beneficial, however, excess or prolonged inflammation can cause harm.