immune response - blood

Immune response

Defense mechanism involving components of the blood to protect the body from pathogens

White blood cells

Blood cells essential for the immune response

Two types of white blood cells

Phagocytes and lymphocytes

Phagocytes

White blood cells involved in non-specific defense

Lymphocytes

White blood cells involved in specific defense

Types of phagocytes

Macrophages and neutrophils

Macrophages

Large long-lasting phagocytes that engulf and digest pathogens

Neutrophils

Small phagocytes that are the first to respond and live about 8 hours

Neutrophil function

Engulf one pathogen before dying and forming pus

Types of lymphocytes

B cells and T cells

B cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies

T cells

Lymphocytes that attack antigens directly

Cytokines

Chemicals released by T cells that control the growth and activity of other immune cells