White blood cells have a short lifespan (12-20 days) because they are destroyed by the lymphatic system and continuously generated by the bone marrow.
- The lifespan of white blood cells (WBCs) is 12-20 days, whereas the lifespan of red blood cells is approx. 120 days.
- WBCs, i.e., lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, are immune cells that fight against infections and thus protect the body from foreign harmful pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, etc)
- When an infection invades the body, WBCs produce antibodies and recognize antigenic particles present in pathogens in order to destroy them.
- WBCs are continuously generated in the bone marrow because they have a short lifespan, then they are stored in the blood and also in the lymph tissues.
- The old WBCs are destroyed by the lymphatic system of the body in order to be excreted in the feces.
In conclusion, white blood cells have a short lifespan (12-20 days) because they are destroyed by the lymphatic system and continuously generated by the bone marrow.
Learn more in:
https://brainly.com/question/903865
