| Leukocytes are cells, the main function of which is to protect the body from infection.
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| Figure 3.1 Simplified scheme of the formation of erythrocytes. In an average day, 1011 erythrocytes are formed. Hemoglobin is synthesized in the erythrocyte and reticulocyte before the loss of ribosomes and mitochondria. CFU, colony-forming unit. GEMM: granulocyte, erythroid, monocyte, megakaryocyte. CFU-E, colony-forming unit erythroid. |
| Figure 3.2 Leukocytes. Classification and functions of leukocytes. |
| Most leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow, some are produced in the thymus, and others mature within several tissues (Fig. 3.2) (see Chapter 36). Leukocytes can
control their own synthesis by secreting into the blood signal peptides that subsequently act on the bone marrow stem cells. In order to function correctly, leukocytes have the ability to migrate out of the bloodstream into surrounding tissues.
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| Thrombocytes (platelets) are not true cells, but are membrane-bound fragments derived from megakaryocytes residing in the bone marrow. They have a key role in the process of blood clotting (see Chapter 6).
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