White Blood Cells Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which white blood cell type is primarily responsible for fighting pathogens?

Basophils

Eosinophils

Lymphocytes

Neutrophils (correct)

What condition is characterized by an increased number of lymphocytes?

Lymphopenia

Leukocytopenia

Lymphocytosis (correct)

Hyperleukocytosis

What is the primary function of eosinophils in the immune response?

Fighting bacterial infections

Promoting blood clotting

Regulating temperature

Controlling allergic responses (correct)

What is the most common type of leukemia in children?

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with leukemia?

Shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

Which drug specifically targets the BCR-ABL fusion gene in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?

Gleevac Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized by a low number of leukocytes?

Leukopenia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leukocyte is primarily involved in inflammatory reactions by releasing heparin and histamine?

Basophils Signup and view all the answers

In which type of leukemia are there often increased numbers of mature but dysfunctional lymphocytes?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Signup and view all the answers

What condition can lead to leukocytosis as a normal physiological response?

Stress Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily responsible for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Reed-Sternberg cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom associated with Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Weight loss Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma from Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Presence of chromosomal translocations Signup and view all the answers

Burkitt Lymphoma is categorized under which type of lymphoma?

B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym CRAB stand for in the context of Multiple Myeloma?

Calcium, Renal insufficiency, Anemia, Bone lesions Signup and view all the answers

What is a treatment option for Multiple Myeloma?

Thalidomide Signup and view all the answers

Which viral infection is associated with Burkitt Lymphoma?

Epstein Barr Virus Signup and view all the answers

In Multiple Myeloma, what do malignant plasma cells increase the production of?

M-protein Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Is exclusively a childhood disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions involves the destructive breakdown of bone tissue?

Multiple Myeloma Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Granulocytes (60-65% of WBCs):
- Neutrophils: Primary pathogen fighters.
- Eosinophils: Control allergic responses, fight parasites (1-3%).
- Basophils: Inflammatory reactions (allergy), release heparin and histamine (0.3-0.5%).
Agranulocytes:
- Lymphocytes: Produce B and T cells.
  - Lymphocytosis: High lymphocyte count.
  - Lymphopenia: Low lymphocyte count.
  - B cells: Produce antibodies.
  - T cells: CD4+ and CD8+ immune response, crucial for immunity.
    - Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): Viral infection targeting B lymphocytes, often called "the kissing disease."
      - Symptoms: fever, sore throat, increased lymphocytes, atypical lymphocytes.
      - Caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
      - Resolves in 1-4 weeks with OTC analgesics.

Leukocyte Alterations

Leukocytosis: High white blood cell count.
Leukocytopenia: Low white blood cell count, reduced ability to fight infection.
Causes: physiologic stressors, malignancy/cancer, HIV.
Important: Look at cell characteristics, not just count.

Leukemia

4 types:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Fast-growing, immature (blast) cells from bone marrow, fail to mature in blood. Most common in children.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Slow-growing, increased production of mature, dysfunctional lymphocytes, observed in B cells. Can progress to acute. Common in elderly, watch and wait approach.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Fast-growing, lots of blasts in blood, cancerous WBCs (most common neutrophils).
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Slow-growing, increased numbers of mature, dysfunctional leukocytes, cancerous WBCs (most common neutrophils), watch and wait approach

Leukemia Symptoms

Weight loss
Petechiae (purplish skin patches) - disruption of platelet function.
Bleeding gums, hypertrophy.
Bone/joint pain
Fever, night sweats
Enlarged liver/spleen

Leukemia Treatment

Chemotherapy
Radiation
Monoclonal antibodies

Philadelphia Chromosome

Crucial for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Formed from breaks in chromosomes 9 & 22 that fuse creating a BCR-ABL gene fusion.
Leads to the development of Gleevec (treatment).

Gleevec

Targets BCR-ABL, selectively killing cancer cells with the fusion gene.
Improves CML prognosis.

Lymphomas

Hodgkin Lymphoma: Caused by Reed-Sternberg cells (malignant B cells), accumulating in upper body. Symptoms: fever, weight loss, night sweats, pruritus.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: No Reed-Sternberg cells. Tumors throughout the body, linked to chromosome translocations, viral/bacterial infections, environmental factors, immunodeficiencies, autoimmune disorders. Affects B cells, T cells, and NK cells. Burkitt lymphoma common type

Multiple Myeloma (CRAB)

Caused by malignant plasma cells, accumulating in bone marrow. Produce M-protein, leading to increased osteoclastic bone destruction.
CRAB:
- C: Calcium elevated
- R: Renal insufficiency (M-protein/Bence Jones protein accumulation)
- A: Anemia
- B: Bone lesions/fractures

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Thalidomide: Inhibits DNA synthesis.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of white blood cells, or leukocytes, and their vital roles in the immune system. This quiz covers various types of white blood cells including granulocytes and agranulocytes, their functions, and conditions like leukocytosis and leukopenia. Test your knowledge on their importance in fighting infections and responding to allergies.