The spelling of "white corpuscle" conforms to the rules of English phonetics. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /waɪt kɔːrpəsəl/ to accurately represent the sounds of each letter. The "wh" sound is a voiceless labio-velar fricative, while the "i-e" diphthong is pronounced as /aɪ/. The "t" in "white" is aspirated, and the "corpuscle" part is pronounced with three syllables, with the "o" sound as a short /ɔː/ and the "ps" letters as a silent consonant cluster.
A white corpuscle, also known as a leukocyte or white blood cell, refers to one of the various types of cells that are part of the immune system. These cells help protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. Unlike red blood cells, which primarily carry oxygen and nutrients, white corpuscles primarily serve a defensive role.
White corpuscles are formed in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream, where they circulate throughout the body. They play a critical role in defending against harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. By identifying and neutralizing pathogens, white corpuscles are instrumental in combating infection and maintaining overall health.
There are different types of white corpuscles, each with its specific functions. Granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, are responsible for engulfing and destroying invading microorganisms. Lymphocytes, another type of white corpuscle, are involved in adaptive immunity. Lymphocytes include B cells, which produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens, and T cells, which directly attack infected cells.
White corpuscles are a crucial component of the body's defense mechanisms. Abnormalities in their numbers or functioning can indicate various health conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and blood-related diseases. Medical professionals can perform blood tests to analyze white corpuscle levels, providing valuable diagnostic information.
Leucocyte.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "white corpuscle" is derived from the Latin terms "corpus" meaning "body" and "albus" meaning "white". "Corpuscle" refers to a small particle or cell, and in this context, it specifically refers to a type of cell found in the blood known as a white blood cell or leukocyte. The term "white corpuscle" is an older name for white blood cells, which are responsible for various functions in the immune system.