Questions and Answers
What are WBCs?
What is the process called when leukocytes slip out of capillary blood vessels?
Diapedesis
Red blood cells can leave the bloodstream like leukocytes.
False
Leukocytosis indicates a white blood cell count less than 11,000 cells/ul.
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Which of the following is a function of granulocytes?
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List the leukocytes in order from most abundant to least abundant.
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What is the primary function of defensins found in neutrophils?
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What kind of leukocytes are neutrophils classified as?
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The nuclei of neutrophils are simple in structure.
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Neutrophils are the most numerous type of ________ blood cell.
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Study Notes
White Blood Cells (WBCs)
- WBCs, or leukocytes, are complete cells with nuclei and organelles, making up less than 1% of blood volume.
- The normal range of WBCs in blood is approximately 4,800 to 10,800 cells/µl.
Leukocyte Function and Diapedesis
- Leukocytes serve as the body's defense against pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
- Unlike red blood cells, leukocytes can exit the bloodstream through diapedesis to reach tissues for immune response.
Amoeboid Motion and Positive Chemotaxis
- Endothelial cells in capillaries signal WBCs to exit the bloodstream during inflammation.
- After exiting, leukocytes move by amoeboid motion and follow chemical signals in a process called positive chemotaxis to pinpoint areas of damage.
Leukocytosis
- An increase in white blood cell production can lead to leukocytosis, defined as over 11,000 cells/µl.
- This is a normal response to infection, indicating an active immune response.
Granulocytes vs. Agranulocytes
- Leukocytes are divided into granulocytes, which contain granules, and agranulocytes, which do not have visible granules.
Frequency of Leukocyte Types
- Order of leukocyte abundance can be remembered by "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas" (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).
Granulocyte Characteristics
- Granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils) are typically larger and have lobed nuclei.
- They have membrane-bound granules that stain specifically, indicating their phagocytic function.
Neutrophils
- Neutrophils are the most abundant WBC, comprising 50-70% of the population and are larger than erythrocytes.
- Their cytoplasm contains fine granules that stain pale lilac, comprised of antimicrobial proteins known as defensins.
Defensins
- Defensins, found in neutrophil granules, are powerful antimicrobial proteins that aid in bacterial killing.
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
- Neutrophils exhibit a distinctive multi-lobed nucleus and are often referred to as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) due to this characteristic.
Respiratory Burst
- Neutrophils enhance bacteria elimination during infections via a respiratory burst which generates oxidizing substances.
- This includes a process where defensins form pores in the membranes of ingested microbes, facilitating destruction.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts related to blood, specifically leukocytes (white blood cells) and their role in the immune system. It includes terms like WBCs and diapedesis, providing essential definitions for understanding blood function. Perfect for students wanting to enhance their knowledge of hematology.
