More commonly referred to as white blood cells. They are formed by the process known as [[leukopoiesis|leukopoiesis]].
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More commonly referred to as white blood cells. They are formed by the process known as [[leukopoiesis|leukopoiesis]]. Leukocytes are sub divided into granulocytes and agranulocytes; granulocytes have a granular cytoplasm and polymorphic nuclei such as is seen in [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]], [[Eosinophils|eosinophils]], and [[Basophils|basophils]]. Granulocytes function as part of the non specific natural immune response to infection and as part of the inflammatory response to tissue injury.
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The agranulocytes include [[Lymphocytes - Introduction|lymphocytes]] and [[Monocytes|monocytes]]. Lymphocytes differ from granulocytes and monocytes as they form part of the acquired immune response, dividing into B or T cells to fight attacks by foreign cells, bacteria and viruses. Monocytes leave the blood stream to enter tissues where they become [[Macrophages|macrophages]], which engulf bacteria and tissue debris by phagocytosis.