What is the Difference Between Leukocytes and Lymphocytes?

Leukocytes and lymphocytes are both types of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system. However, there are some differences between them:

1. Definition: Leukocytes are white blood cells that help in killing foreign particles and maintaining the innate immunity of the body. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, are a specific type of white blood cell that belongs to the granular leukocytes and are part of the adaptive immune system.
2. Production: Leukocytes are produced by the myeloid stem cells, while lymphocytes are produced by the lymphoid stem cells.
3. Types: Leukocytes can be divided into two categories: granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and agranulocytes (monocytes and lymphocytes). Lymphocytes mainly consist of T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
4. Function: Leukocytes work together to maintain the immune system and help in transportation, protection, and regulation. Lymphocytes specifically identify antigens (substances foreign to the body) and cause an immune response.

In summary, all lymphocytes are leukocytes, but not all leukocytes are lymphocytes. While leukocytes are responsible for maintaining the body's innate immunity, lymphocytes are part of the adaptive immune system and play a crucial role in identifying and responding to foreign substances.

Comparative Table: Leukocytes vs Lymphocytes

Leukocytes and lymphocytes are both types of white blood cells that play important roles in the immune system. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:

In summary, leukocytes are a broader category of white blood cells that includes lymphocytes, and they play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, are a specific type of leukocyte that only participates in adaptive immunity and do not have large granules in their cytoplasm.