Arizona State University (ASU) BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Exam 1 Practice Exam

The normal range of white blood cells (WBCs) in a healthy adult is 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter (cells/mcL) of blood. This range is crucial for assessing an individual's immune function and overall health. White blood cells play a vital role in the body's defense mechanisms against infections and diseases, indicating that this range allows the body to adequately respond to pathogens without being compromised by too few or overwhelmed by too many WBCs.

When the count falls outside this range, it may suggest various health issues: a count below the normal range might indicate conditions such as bone marrow disorders or autoimmune diseases, while a count above the normal range could suggest infections, inflammation, or certain leukemias. Understanding the normal range for WBCs is essential for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions.