Agranulocytes Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are Agranulocytes?

Leukocytes that lack visible cytoplasmic granules; they have a spherical or kidney-shaped nucleus.

What are the types of Agranulocytes?

Lymphocytes and Monocytes.

What are Lymphocytes?

A type of Agranulocyte; a 'killer cell'.

How prevalent are Lymphocytes?

They are the second most numerous. Signup and view all the answers

How does the nucleus and cytoplasm of Lymphocytes appear?

The nucleus is spherical and the cytoplasm stains light blue. Signup and view all the answers

Where are Lymphocytes usually located?

In lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, spleen). Signup and view all the answers

What are Lymphocytes crucial to?

Immunity and immune memory. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of Lymphocytes?

T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. Signup and view all the answers

What is immune memory?

Once exposed, the immune system will remember the pathogen for future protection. Signup and view all the answers

What do T-lymphocytes do?

They act against virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Signup and view all the answers

What do B-lymphocytes do?

They give rise to plasma cells, which produce antibodies. Signup and view all the answers

What are antibodies?

Protein weapons that stimulate an immune response against antigens. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Monocyte?

Monocytes are the largest leukocytes. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Monocyte stain?

This nucleus stains dark purple; the cytoplasm stains light purple. Signup and view all the answers

What does the nucleus of Monocytes look like?

The nucleus looks like a kidney and is irregularly shaped. Signup and view all the answers

What do Monocytes differentiate into?

Macrophages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Monocytes?

They actively phagocytize harmful substances. Signup and view all the answers

Where are Monocytes located?

They circulate in the blood and can enter tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Monocytes do not perform diapedesis.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are Macrophages?

A type of leukocyte that activates lymphocytes and phagocytizes pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

How do Macrophages move?

By pseudopods. Signup and view all the answers

Which leukocytes are the largest?

Monocytes. Signup and view all the answers

Wandering Macrophages develop from ___ after exiting the blood.

Monocytes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Agranulocytes Overview

Agranulocytes are leukocytes that lack visible cytoplasmic granules and possess a spherical or kidney-shaped nucleus.
They are divided into two primary types: Lymphocytes and Monocytes.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are a type of agranulocyte known as "killer cells" and are crucial for immunity and immune memory.
They are the second most numerous type of white blood cells in circulation.
The nucleus is spherical, creating a rim-like appearance of the cytoplasm, which is light blue and stains purple.
Primarily located in lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes and the spleen, with a small number circulating in the blood.
Two main types of lymphocytes: T-lymphocytes (T cells) and B-lymphocytes (B cells).

Immune Memory

Immune memory refers to the immune system's ability to remember past exposures to pathogens, enabling quicker protection upon re-exposure.

T-Lymphocytes

T-lymphocytes target virus-infected cells and tumor cells, acting as conductors in the immune response.

B-Lymphocytes

B-lymphocytes transform into plasma cells, producing antibodies that specifically target antigens.

Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins that initiate an immune response against specific antigens.

Monocytes

Monocytes are the largest type of leukocytes and stain dark purple, with light purple cytoplasm.
The nucleus of monocytes has a kidney shape, reminiscent of an irregular "M."
Upon leaving the bloodstream through diapedesis, monocytes differentiate into macrophages.
They play a crucial role in phagocytizing viruses, intracellular bacterial parasites, and chronic infections, effectively activating lymphocytes to respond.

Macrophages

Macrophages are a type of leukocyte derived from monocytes that activate lymphocytes and phagocytize harmful entities.
They move and extend their reach using pseudopods, often referred to as "false feet."

Summary of Key Characteristics

Lymphocytes are characterized by their light blue cytoplasm and purple-staining nucleus, playing essential roles in immune memory and response.
Monocytes, possessing a distinct kidney-shaped nucleus, are critical for phagocytizing harmful agents and facilitate lymphocyte activation.
Macrophages, which evolve from monocytes, serve the purpose of combating pathogens and are pivotal in immune system signaling.

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Description

Test your knowledge on agranulocytes with this quiz. Explore definitions, types, and characteristics of these important leukocytes. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of the immune system.