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Questions and Answers
Which type of white blood cell is the largest and plays a role in phagocytosis?
Which type of white blood cell is the largest and plays a role in phagocytosis?
Which type of white blood cell is involved in the allergic response and can release histamines?
Which type of white blood cell is involved in the allergic response and can release histamines?
Which type of white blood cell is the least common and makes up about 1% of the total count?
Which type of white blood cell is the least common and makes up about 1% of the total count?
Which type of white blood cell is part of the adaptive immune system and develops the ability to recognize and react to antigens?
Which type of white blood cell is part of the adaptive immune system and develops the ability to recognize and react to antigens?
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Which type of white blood cell contains specific granules and is involved in the allergic response?
Which type of white blood cell contains specific granules and is involved in the allergic response?
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Which type of white blood cell is the most abundant and contains multi-lobed nuclei?
Which type of white blood cell is the most abundant and contains multi-lobed nuclei?
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Which type of white blood cell has a multi-lobed nucleus with 2 to 5 lobes and is responsible for identifying and attacking foreign pathogens?
Which type of white blood cell has a multi-lobed nucleus with 2 to 5 lobes and is responsible for identifying and attacking foreign pathogens?
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Which type of white blood cell is characterized by large cytoplasmic specific granules that stain red to pink and plays a role in fighting off bacterial and parasitic infections as well as being involved in the allergic response?
Which type of white blood cell is characterized by large cytoplasmic specific granules that stain red to pink and plays a role in fighting off bacterial and parasitic infections as well as being involved in the allergic response?
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Which type of white blood cell is produced in the bone marrow and has a short lifespan of 6 to 10 hours?
Which type of white blood cell is produced in the bone marrow and has a short lifespan of 6 to 10 hours?
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Which type of white blood cell is responsible for engulfing and digesting foreign particles and microorganisms, and also plays a role in antigen presentation?
Which type of white blood cell is responsible for engulfing and digesting foreign particles and microorganisms, and also plays a role in antigen presentation?
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Which type of white blood cell has a bi-lobed nucleus and plays a role in fighting off bacterial and parasitic infections, as well as being involved in the allergic response?
Which type of white blood cell has a bi-lobed nucleus and plays a role in fighting off bacterial and parasitic infections, as well as being involved in the allergic response?
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Which type of white blood cell is not a granulocyte and has a round or slightly indented nucleus?
Which type of white blood cell is not a granulocyte and has a round or slightly indented nucleus?
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Study Notes
WBC Morphology: An Overview of Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, and Monocytes
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are a crucial component of the immune system, responsible for protecting the body from infections and diseases. There are five main types of white blood cells, each with distinct morphological features and functions: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of these cell types, their morphology, and their roles in the immune system.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell, making up 60-70% of the total count. They are granulocytes, meaning they contain specific granules in their cytoplasm that stain pink under a microscope. Neutrophils are multi-lobed, with a nucleus that can have between 2 and 5 lobes. They are responsible for identifying and attacking foreign pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Neutrophils have a short lifespan, typically lasting for 6-10 hours, and are produced in the bone marrow.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are another type of granulocyte, making up about 5% of white blood cells. They have a bi-lobed nucleus and large cytoplasmic specific granules that stain red to pink. Eosinophils play a role in fighting off bacteria and parasitic infections, but are also involved in the allergic response. They can release histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and narrowing of the airways.
Basophils
Basophils are the least common type of white blood cell, making up about 1% of the total count. They are also granulocytes, with bi-lobed or S-shaped nuclei and cytoplasmic specific granules that stain blue to purple. Basophils are involved in the allergic response, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. They can also play a role in the immune response to parasites.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are agranulocytes, meaning they do not contain specific granules. They make up 20-40% of white blood cells and are part of the adaptive immune system. Lymphocytes have a bi-lobed nucleus and are in transit from and to various lymphatic tissues. They develop the ability to recognize and react to antigens, playing a crucial role in the immune response.
Monocytes
Monocytes are also agranulocytes, making up between 2% to 8% of white blood cells. They are the largest type of leukocyte, with a diameter of 12-14 µm. Monocytes have a bi-lobed nucleus and are the largest type of leukocyte. They differentiate and become functional once they leave the blood, transforming into cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system, such as macrophages, osteoclasts, and Kupffer cells. These cells phagocytose bacteria, cells, and debris and function as antigen-presenting cells.
In conclusion, white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, play essential roles in protecting the body from infections and diseases. Each cell type has distinct morphological features and functions, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the immune system. A balanced count of these cells is crucial for maintaining good health, and any deviation from the normal range can indicate underlying medical conditions.
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Description
Explore the morphology and functions of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes which are essential components of the immune system. Learn about their distinct features, roles in the immune response, and how they protect the body from infections and diseases.
