Blood Histology Overview

Water makes up the majority of the plasma (the fluid portion) in blood.

Saline solutions are used to replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to dehydration or blood loss.

Dextrose solutions provide carbohydrates as a source of energy for the body.

These solutions are used in medical settings to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

The cell membrane is flexible, allowing red blood cells (RBCs) to change shape and pass through narrow capillaries.

Red blood cells have a biconcave shape, which increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange.

The increased surface area of biconcave RBCs allows for greater oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

A type of white blood cell that makes up 60-70% of total leukocytes in the blood.

The nucleus of a neutrophil is divided into segments, typically 3-5 lobes connected by thin strands.

Neutrophils contain small, purple-staining granules in their cytoplasm. These granules are lysosomes and contain enzymes.

These enzymes within the granules break down and digest particles that have been engulfed by the neutrophil.

Neutrophils are essential for immune defense. They engulf and destroy bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms.

Tissue responsible for generating blood cells.

Specialized tissue that generates and stores immune cells.

A type of lymphatic organ, filters lymph fluid and houses white blood cells.

A primary lymphatic organ responsible for T cell maturation.

A large lymphatic organ that filters blood, stores white blood cells, and removes old red blood cells.

T lymphocytes that are responsible for recognizing and attacking cells that express foreign antigens, such as those found on transplanted organs or infected cells.

A type of T lymphocyte that retains memory of specific antigens it has encountered, allowing for a quicker and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure.

T helper cells (Th cells) are a type of T lymphocyte that play a critical role in regulating the adaptive immune response by activating other immune cells, such as cytotoxic T cells and B cells.

T lymphocytes that directly kill infected cells or tumor cells by releasing cytotoxic factors.

A potent protein produced by T lymphocytes that can inhibit viral replication and help control viral infections.

Yellow bone marrow is a type of tissue found in the cavities of long bones in adults. It's primarily made up of fat cells, but also contains some stem cells that can create blood cells. It gives the marrow its yellow color.

Yellow bone marrow is mostly made up of fat cells, which are essential for energy storage.

Although yellow bone marrow mainly stores fat, it also contains some stem cells. These cells are important because they can differentiate into blood cells.

In extreme situations like significant blood loss, the body can convert yellow bone marrow into red bone marrow. Red bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells.

Yellow bone marrow is found in the cavities of long bones of adults, such as the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (upper arm bone).