What Are the Functions of Eosinophils?
Eosinophils are a type of leukocyte, or white blood cell. These cells account for only about 1 to 3 percent of the total number of white cells present in the blood. They play a role in the immune system of the body.
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Description
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Eosinophils have rough granules that are found within the jelly-like substance, or cytoplasm, that fills the cell. They have a nucleus, or control center, that is irregularly shaped and has two lobes.
Phagocytosis
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Eosinophils assist the body by performing phagocytosis. This is when the eosinophil surrounds and engulfs a bacterium, digesting it completely. This helps rid the body of disease causing bacteria.
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Inflammatory Response
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Eosinophils are also helpful in the body's inflammatory response. They secrete chemicals that are able to destroy certain disease inducing parasites.
Allergic Reaction
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The number of eosinophils increases dramatically if an allergic reaction is occurring. These additional cells help the body react in case of asthma or hay fever.
Diapedesis
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Eosinophils can migrate from the blood stream into the body tissues, in a process called diapedesis. This allows the leukocytes to fight localized infections in the tissues directly.
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