What are white blood cells commonly referred to as?

White blood cells are commonly referred to as leukocytes. This term comes from the Greek words "leuko," meaning white, and "cyte," meaning cell. Leukocytes play a crucial role in the immune system by helping the body fight infections and other diseases. They are vital in defending the body against pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The other options refer to different components of blood: erythrocytes are red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen, platelets assist in blood clotting, and thrombocytes are another term for platelets. Therefore, "leukocytes" is clearly the accurate term for white blood cells, aligning with their function and biological classification. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental in fields related to health and medicine.