General Clarification

Not exactly. A monocyte is a type of leukocyte, but not all leukocytes are monocytes.

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

Leukocyte is a general term for all types of white blood cells, which play essential roles in the body’s immune defense system.

Main types of leukocytes include:

– Neutrophils

– Lymphocytes (B cells, T cells, NK cells)

– Monocytes

– Eosinophils

– Basophils

Monocytes

Monocytes are one of the five main types of leukocytes. They circulate in the blood and can migrate into tissues where they differentiate into:

– Macrophages

– Dendritic cells

Key features of monocytes:

– Largest white blood cells in peripheral blood

– Capable of phagocytosis (engulfing microbes and debris)

– Involved in inflammation, wound healing, and immune regulation

Summary

A monocyte is a type of leukocyte, but not all leukocytes are monocytes.