Are all leukocytes classified as lymphocytes?

The understanding of leukocyte classification is essential in hematology and immunology. Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are categorized into several types, each having distinct roles in the immune response. Lymphocytes are indeed one type of leukocyte, but they are not the only type.

Leukocytes are broadly divided into two main categories: lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Lymphocytes include B cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, which are involved in adaptive immunity. The other category, myeloid cells, encompasses several types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes, which play various roles in immune defense and inflammation.

Since lymphocytes are just one subset of leukocytes, stating that all leukocytes are classified as lymphocytes is inaccurate. The correct answer reflects the biological classification, acknowledging that there are multiple types of leukocytes, among which lymphocytes represent only a portion. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping how the immune system functions as a whole.