White blood cell normal when it is part of healthy immune responses, which happen frequently. It is occasionally abnormal, when it is neoplastic or autoimmune in origin. A decrease below the lower limit is called leukopenia. This indicates a weakened immune system. The name "white blood cell" derives from the physical appearance of a blood sample after centrifugation. White cells are found in the "buffy" "coat", a thin, typically white layer of nucleated cells between the sedimented red blood cells and the blood plasma. The scientific term "leukocyte" directly reflects its description. It is derived from the Greek roots "leuk-" meaning "white" and
Blood cell are based on the inappropriate production of white blood cells. Platelets, or "thrombocytes", are very small, irregularly shaped clear cell fragments, 2–3 µm in diameter, which derive from fragmentation of megakaryocytes. The average lifespan of a platelet is normally just 5 to 9 days. Platelets are a natural source of growth factors. They circulate in the blood of mammals and are involved in hemostasis, leading to the formation of blood clots. Platelets release thread-like fibers to form these clots. If the number of platelets is too low, excessive bleeding can occur. However, if the number of platelets is too high,