Blood Cells and Their Functions

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Questions and Answers

What do basophils specifically release in response to allergic reactions?

Heparin and histamine (correct)

Lysosomal enzymes

Collagenase and neutrophil factors

Major basic protein

Which cell type has a bilobed nucleus shaped like an 'S'?

Lymphocyte

Neutrophil

Basophil

Eosinophil (correct)

What is the primary function of neutrophils?

First line of defense against invading microorganisms (correct)

Activated during parasitic infection

Regulating allergic reactions

Releasing histamine

During granulopoiesis, which stage is marked by the last opportunity for cell division?

Myelocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the azurophilic granules in basophils?

Store lysosomal enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the blood is typically composed of band cells?

0-3% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of granule is most abundant in metamyelocytes?

Specific granules Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is characteristic of monocytes?

Single, non-segmented nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of monocytes?

Rapidly produce antibodies Signup and view all the answers

In what condition are basophils typically involved?

Hypersensitivity reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the last stage capable of division during monopoiesis?

Promonocyte Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in the cytoplasmic staining affinity during maturation of neutrophils and eosinophils?

Decreased basophilia and increased eosinophilia Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells result from monocytes differentiating in various tissues?

Specific tissue phagocytic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason lymphocytes are so crucial to the lymphoid organs?

They are the main cell population. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the shape and size of lymphocytes?

Rounded cells with variable diameter Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is known to fuse with others to form multinucleated giant cells during chronic infections?

Monocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily involved in antigen presentation within the spleen?

Interdigitating dendritic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary location for blood-borne antigens to access within the spleen?

White pulp Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the spleen contains plasma cells?

Red pulp Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the stroma of the lymph node from that of the spleen?

Presence of reticular fibers Signup and view all the answers

What type of lymphocyte is primarily located in the outer cortex of the lymph node?

B lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the spleen's structure?

Thymic corpuscles Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the thymus is involved in the differentiation of T lymphocytes?

Cortex Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the spleen enables the entry of circulating T & B lymphocytes into its parenchyma?

Marginal sinuses Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium covers the anterior and medial surfaces of the palatine tonsils?

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tonsil is located at the back of the tongue?

Lingual tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What structures are present in the pharyngeal tonsil?

Lymphoid nodules and pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which tonsils have no crypts and are covered with folded epithelium?

Pharyngeal tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What type of connective tissue structure separates the lateral and posterior surfaces of the palatine tonsils from adjacent organs?

Fibrous capsule Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of tubal tonsils in terms of epithelium?

Pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with few crypts Signup and view all the answers

What immune cells are present among the loose lymphoid tissue in the palatine tonsils?

Macrophages and lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the lymph vessels present in the tonsils?

No afferent lymph vessels are present Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasma cells?

Secrete antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which cells respond more rapidly upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen?

Memory B cells Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is primarily responsible for the maturation of T lymphocytes?

Thymus Signup and view all the answers

What type of lymphoid tissue primarily reacts with foreign antigens to elicit an immune response?

Secondary lymphoid tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic cell found in the thymic cortex?

Thymocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which lymphoid organ is known to progressively atrophy at puberty?

Thymus Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is involved in phagocytosing and presenting foreign antigens to T lymphocytes?

Macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells do natural killer cells originate from?

Bone marrow precursors of T and B cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is found in palatine tonsils?

Stratified squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Where are the lingual tonsils located?

On the dorsal surface of the posterior third of the tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for white blood cell (WBC) count in blood?

4000-10,000 / mm blood Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes microcytosis in red blood cells (RBCs)?

RBC diameter is less than 6 microns Signup and view all the answers

Which tonsil is characterized by having a single crypt?

Pharyngeal tonsil Signup and view all the answers

What is a common shape abnormality of red blood cells known as crenation?

RBCs shrink and develop spiny protrusions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tonsil surrounds the opening of the Eustachian tube?

Tubal tonsil Signup and view all the answers

What does polycythemia indicate regarding red blood cell count?

Increase in RBCs number Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood

Blood is a specialized connective tissue composed of plasma and formed elements
Plasma forms the matrix
Formed elements are the cells, with no fibers present

Formed Elements:

Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs):
- Average count: Males 5-5.5 million/mm³; Females 4.5-5 million/mm³
- Life span: 100-120 days
- Old or damaged RBCs are phagocytosed by macrophages in the spleen and liver
- Function: contain hemoglobin for gas exchange
White Blood Cells (WBCs) or Leukocytes:
- Granular Leukocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
- Agranular Leukocytes: lymphocytes, monocytes
Platelets:
- Normal count: 150,000-400,000/mm³
- Function: blood clotting in response to vascular injury

Blood Smear Preparation:

Giemsa's stain differentiates cells by their nuclei and cytoplasmic granules (basophilic, eosinophilic, azurophilic)

Blood Count:

The average number of formed blood elements per cubic millimeter of blood, including RBCs count, total leukocytic count, platelet count, and differential leukocytic count (percentage of each WBC type relative to total WBCs).

Erythropoiesis:

The process of RBC formation
Takes approximately 7 days
Stages include: proerythroblasts, basophilic erythroblasts, polychromatophilic erythroblasts, orthochromatophilic erythroblasts (normoblasts), reticulocytes, and mature RBCs

Granulopoiesis:

The process of granulocyte formation
Stages include: promyelocytes, myelocytes (neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil), metamyelocytes, band cells, and mature granulocytes

Monopoiesis:

The process of monocyte formation
Stages include: promonocytes and monocytes

Lymphopoiesis:

The process of lymphocyte formation
Different types of lymphocytes are formed: T and B lymphocytes, which differentiate in the thymus and bone marrow, respectively

Lymphoid Organs:

Thymus:
- Primary lymphoid organ
- Site for T lymphocyte maturation
Lymph Nodes:
- Secondary lymphoid organ
- Site for filtering lymph
Spleen:
- Largest lymphoid organ
- Site for blood filtration, immune responses, and RBC destruction:
- White pulp: containing lymphoid nodules with T and B Cells.
- Red pulp: containing blood sinuses and splenic cords (specialized connective tissue housing macrophages and RBCs)

Tonsils:

Partially encapsulated lymphoid tissues located in the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and in the lingual and tubal regions of the mouth

Abnormalities of Blood Elements:

Various abnormalities can affect RBCs, platelets, and WBCs counts and types, broadly categorized as increased or decreased counts and abnormal morphology.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the various types of blood cells, their functions, and their roles in the immune system. This quiz covers topics such as granulopoiesis, monopoiesis, and the specific characteristics of basophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Challenge yourself on the intricacies of hematology and the immune response.