Which kinds of WBCs contribute to the body's nonspecific defenses?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that white blood cells (WBCs) are part of the immune system and can be divided into those involved in specific (adaptive) immunity and nonspecific (innate) immunity.
2. Step 2: Recall that nonspecific defenses are the body's first line of defense and respond to pathogens in a general way, without targeting specific invaders.
3. Step 3: Identify the types of WBCs that participate in nonspecific defenses, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes/macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells.
4. Step 4: Recognize the roles of these cells: neutrophils and macrophages perform phagocytosis to engulf pathogens; eosinophils combat parasites; basophils release histamine to promote inflammation; NK cells destroy infected or abnormal cells.
5. Step 5: Summarize that these WBCs contribute to the body's nonspecific defenses by providing rapid, generalized responses to a wide range of pathogens.

Key Concepts

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

White blood cells are immune system cells that protect the body against infections. They are divided into various types, each with specific roles in immune defense, including both nonspecific (innate) and specific (adaptive) immunity.

Nonspecific (Innate) Immune Defense

Nonspecific defenses are the body's first line of protection against pathogens, acting quickly and broadly without targeting specific invaders. This includes physical barriers, chemical signals, and immune cells that respond to a wide range of threats.

Types of WBCs Involved in Nonspecific Defense

Certain WBCs like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells play key roles in nonspecific defense by engulfing pathogens, destroying infected cells, and releasing chemicals to recruit other immune cells, providing rapid and generalized protection.