White Blood Cells: Phagocytes and Lymphocytes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of phagocytes in the blood?

To carry oxygen to the body tissues
To kill microorganisms by surrounding and engulfing them (correct)
To remove toxins from the blood
To produce antibodies

Lymphocytes are responsible for killing microorganisms directly.

False (B)

What is the function of platelets in the blood?

To help blood to clot at a wound

The blood plasma is a _________ liquid.

<p>straw-coloured</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of blood with their functions:

<p>Phagocytes = Kill microorganisms by surrounding and engulfing them Lymphocytes = Produce antibodies to neutralize microorganisms Platelets = Help blood to clot at a wound Plasma = Carry cells and substances throughout the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Phagocytes

Kill microorganisms like bacteria by surrounding and engulfing them
Digest microorganisms with powerful enzymes
Need to be flexible to engulf and kill microorganisms

Lymphocytes

Produce antibodies that stick onto foreign microorganisms
Antibodies either kill microorganisms or cause them to clump together, making it easier for phagocytes to destroy them
Neutralize harmful poisons (toxins) produced by microorganisms

Platelets

Small fragments of cells with no nucleus, suspended in blood plasma
Help blood clot at wounds by sealing and clotting the wound
Prevent blood cells from being lost and microorganisms from entering the blood through the wound

Plasma

A straw-coloured liquid carrying all types of blood cells
Carries substances by dissolving them, such as:
- Carbon dioxide (a waste product) to be removed from the body
- Glucose (a sugar) to be transported to body tissues