5 Questions
What is the primary function of phagocytes in the blood?
To kill microorganisms by surrounding and engulfing them
Lymphocytes are responsible for killing microorganisms directly.
False
What is the function of platelets in the blood?
To help blood to clot at a wound
The blood plasma is a _________ liquid.
straw-coloured
Match the following components of blood with their functions:
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
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
Learn about the two types of white blood cells: Phagocytes, which kill microorganisms by engulfing them, and Lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to fight infections.
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