How do white blood cells protect the body?

White blood cells play a crucial role in the immune system by ingesting harmful microbes and producing antibodies. This process is fundamental to the body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases. When pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, invade the body, certain types of white blood cells, such as phagocytes, can engulf and digest these invading organisms, effectively removing them from the bloodstream and tissues. In addition to this, other types of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, are responsible for producing antibodies. These antibodies specifically target pathogens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

This immune response is essential for maintaining health, as it not only provides immediate defense but also contributes to long-lasting immunity through memory cells that remember previous infections. Thus, the combination of ingesting microbes and producing specific antibodies underlines the significant protective functions of white blood cells in the body.