White blood cells are also known as

1. Analyze the question The question asks for another name for white blood cells in general. It does not ask about one particular type of white blood cell.

2. Explain the concept Blood cells are named using Greek-based terms:

• Erythro- means red, and -cyte means cell. So erythrocytes are red blood cells.
• Leuco- means white, and -cyte means cell. So leucocytes (also spelled leukocytes) are white blood cells.

Lymphocytes and phagocytes are only types of white blood cells:

• Lymphocytes produce antibodies and are involved in immunity.
• Phagocytes (e.g. neutrophils and monocytes) engulf and digest germs.

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Erythrocytes are red blood cells, so this is wrong.
• B. Leucocytes is the general scientific name for white blood cells, so this is correct.
• C. Lymphocytes are only one group of white blood cells, so this is too specific.
• D. Phagocytes are only the white cells that carry out phagocytosis, so this is too specific.

4. Answer B. leucocytes

5. Exam tip Remember the colour prefixes:

• Erythro = Red (both have an "r" sound).
• Leuco = White (think "Leuco = light/clear").

If a question asks for the general name, avoid options that name only a type. All lymphocytes and phagocytes are leucocytes, but not all leucocytes are lymphocytes or phagocytes.