How does the body respond to an infection in terms of white blood cells?

How does the body respond to an infection in terms of white blood cells?

• A. Decreases white blood cell count
• B. Increases white blood cell count
• C. No change in white blood cell count
• D. Alters platelet function

Answer: (B)

The body's response to an infection typically involves an increase in white blood cell count. This is a crucial aspect of the immune response, as white blood cells, or leukocytes, play a fundamental role in identifying and combating pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. When an infection occurs, the body detects the presence of pathogens, which triggers a cascade of immune system responses. One of the first responses is the release of signaling molecules called cytokines that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. This increase helps to ensure that sufficient immune cells are available to respond to the infection effectively. Different types of white blood cells are mobilized depending on the type of infection. For example, neutrophils are typically increased in bacterial infections, while lymphocytes may increase during viral infections. This increase in white blood cells can be observed through laboratory tests that measure the complete blood count (CBC), showing elevated levels of leukocytes during an active infection. Thus, the body’s strategy of increasing white blood cell count during an infection aids in mounting a robust defense and provides the immune system with the needed resources to eliminate pathogens efficiently.

The body's response to an infection typically involves an increase in white blood cell count. This is a crucial aspect of the immune response, as white blood cells, or leukocytes, play a fundamental role in identifying and combating pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders.

When an infection occurs, the body detects the presence of pathogens, which triggers a cascade of immune system responses. One of the first responses is the release of signaling molecules called cytokines that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. This increase helps to ensure that sufficient immune cells are available to respond to the infection effectively.

Different types of white blood cells are mobilized depending on the type of infection. For example, neutrophils are typically increased in bacterial infections, while lymphocytes may increase during viral infections. This increase in white blood cells can be observed through laboratory tests that measure the complete blood count (CBC), showing elevated levels of leukocytes during an active infection.

Thus, the body’s strategy of increasing white blood cell count during an infection aids in mounting a robust defense and provides the immune system with the needed resources to eliminate pathogens efficiently.