14 Questions
What percentage of circulating leukocytes do neutrophils constitute?
60-70%
What is the primary function of neutrophils?
To ingest and destroy invading organisms
What is characteristic of eosinophils?
A bilobed nucleus and large, elongated granules
What is a major function of eosinophils?
To protect against parasitic diseases
What is characteristic of basophils?
An irregularly shaped nucleus and large, intensely basophilic granules
What percentage of WBCs are basophils?
Less than 1%
What is a characteristic of lymphocytes?
An ovoid nucleus and scanty cytoplasm
What percentage of WBCs are lymphocytes?
20-25%
What is the primary function of plasma cells in the body?
To synthesize immunoglobulins
What percentage of white blood cells are monocytes?
3-8%
What is the shape of the nucleus in monocytes?
Oval or kidney shaped
Where can plasma cells be found in a healthy individual?
In the lymphoid organs
What is the lifespan of monocytes in the blood?
8 hours
What is the function of monocytes in the connective tissue?
To differentiate into tissue macrophages and other cells
Study Notes
Neutrophils
- Constitute 60-70% of circulating leukocytes
- Nucleus consists of 2-5 lobes linked by fine chromatin thread
- Cytoplasm contains small specific granules
- Circulate in blood in resting state, but can become motile and phagocytic in tissues
- Primary function is to ingest and destroy invading organisms
- Die after performing their function, resulting in pus formation
Eosinophils
- Constitute 2-4% of total WBC count
- Have a characteristic bilobed nucleus
- Presence of many large and elongated granules that are stained by eosin
- Increase in number in parasitic infestations and allergic states
- Play a major role in protecting against parasitic diseases
Basophils
- Constitute less than 1% of total WBC count
- Nucleus is divided into irregular lobes
- Cytoplasmic granules are large, intensely basophilic, and irregular in size and shape
- Contain histamine (vasodilator) and heparin (anticoagulant)
- May be precursors of tissue mast cells
Lymphocytes
- Constitute 20-25% of WBCs
- Have an ovoid nucleus and scanty cytoplasm
- Two main types: T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes
- Responsible for immune surveillance and detecting foreign particles in tissues
- B lymphocytes can differentiate into plasma cells after immune response
- Plasma cells are responsible for active synthesis of immunoglobulins
Monocytes
- Are the largest of the leukocytes
- Constitute 3-8% of WBCs
- Have an oval or kidney-shaped nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm
- Can live in blood for 8 hours, then move into connective tissue
- Precursor cells of tissue macrophages and other cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system
Learn about neutrophils, a type of leukocyte, their structure, function and role in the immune system. Understand their circulation, activation, and phagocytic properties.
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