What is the difference between lymphocytes and monocytes?

lymphocytes and monocytes are both white blood cells; Together they form most of the function of the lymphatic immune system. They are similar in that they are classified as mononuclear cells, which means that their core is formed in one piece, but differs in its function in the immune system. Lymphocytes are responsible for the body's immune response when a recognized foreign attacker attacks healthy tissue because they have the ability to create specific antibodies against pathogen. Monocytes look similar to lymphocytes in many cases, but when monocyte performs its unique function as a macrophage, it absorbs and spends the attackers that identify lymphocytes, become a significantly larger and irregular shape. Lymphocytes and monocytes also show other characteristics that help them to distinguish them under a microscope, as when monocytes form "legs" that help them quickly drive the lymphatic and circulatory system.

These white blood cells also differ in general numbers in the body. There are much more lymphocytes in a healthy individual than monocytics. Lymphocytes make up up to 20 to 40 percent of the total number of white blood cells of a healthy adult and monocytes include only 1 to 6 percent of the total blood volume. This can help observers read the blood sample faster, because most mononuclear cells can be identified as lymphocytes if they do not easily show the properties of macrophage. It can be expected that small children will have an even higher lymphocyte ratio to monocytes, as their bodies are constantly trying to build immunity to new infectious agents acquired in the environment.

According to microscope observations, they are the smallest and easiest resolutible lymphocytes almost perfectly round and have blue cytoplasm. When lymphocytes encounter an attacker with whom they are familiar, they can grow size, but usually remain a similar composition. In some cases, however, lymphocytes may show atypical behavior such as stretching and ripple, a case where they may be mistaken for another type of cells. Monocytes are observed for comparison as irregular, noCongrual shapes and sometimes appear granulated if they create vacuoles or other instruments used in common macrophagic activities. The core of macrophageic monocytes may look like a "brain" because it tends to compose on itself and create maturity.

The most important difference between lymphocytes and monocytes can be understood by studying their life cycles. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is responsible for white blood cells leaving the bone marrow where they are formed. They start down the "lymphoid" path, where further differentiation between lymphocytes and monocytes occurs. For example, a chemical, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) helps some mononuclear cells of BCOME macrophages. Lymphocytes are stimulated by other factors and transform into the main defense mechanisms of the immune system, B cells and t cells.