The mnemonic 'Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas' helps to remember the order of which leukocytes?

The mnemonic "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas" is utilized to help remember the order of leukocytes based on their prevalence in the blood, specifically from most to least abundant. This mnemonic corresponds directly to the sequence of leukocyte types as follows: Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils.

Neutrophils are the most numerous white blood cells and play a critical role in the body’s first line of defense against infections. Lymphocytes are vital for adaptive immunity, involving B and T cells which are essential for targeting specific pathogens. Monocytes, the largest type of white blood cell, differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, contributing to both innate and adaptive immune responses. Eosinophils are involved in combating parasites and play a role in allergic reactions. Lastly, Basophils, although the least common, are involved in inflammatory responses and the release of histamine.

By recalling the mnemonic, one can easily list these cells in the correct order, reinforcing an understanding not just of their names but also of their importance in the immune system.