White Blood Cells Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the approximate range of white blood cells in a microliter of blood?

5000 to 10000 (correct)

2000 to 4000

15000 to 20000

10000 to 15000

Which type of white blood cell is the most abundant?

Neutrophils (correct)

Eosinophils

Lymphocytes

Basophils

What role do neutrophils play in the immune response?

Producing antibodies

Secreting histamines

Maturing into macrophages

Engulfing and digesting foreign materials (correct)

What is a significant characteristic of granulocytes?

They have obvious granules. Signup and view all the answers

Where are eosinophils typically found in the body?

In the lining of the respiratory and digestive tract Signup and view all the answers

What are white blood cells also known as?

Leukocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the quantity of white blood cells in the blood?

They are the fewest of the formed elements. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about white blood cells is incorrect?

They assist in blood clotting. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of white blood cells?

Defending against infections Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes white blood cells from red blood cells?

Role in immune defense Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan of monocytes after transforming into macrophages in tissues?

A few years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about monocytes is accurate?

They are highly phagocytic and can engulf large infected cells. Signup and view all the answers

What does a complete blood cell count (CBC) provide information about?

All the formed elements of the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is leukemia primarily characterized by?

An extremely high white blood cell count Signup and view all the answers

After how long do monocytes migrate from the bloodstream into tissues?

10 to 20 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of basophils?

They are involved in allergic reactions and kill parasites. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about lymphocytes is true?

They migrate to the thymus to finish maturing. Signup and view all the answers

What substance do basophils secrete to attract other white blood cells?

Histamine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes agranulocytes?

They lack cytoplasmic granules. Signup and view all the answers

How long can lymphocytes survive?

Up to a few decades Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

White blood cells (WBCs) or leukocytes are essential for fighting infection and are the body's line of defense.
A microliter of blood contains between 5,000 and 10,000 white blood cells (WBCs).
There are five types of WBCs, each with unique size, appearance, abundance, and function.
All leukocytes have a nucleus and other internal structures, some appearing as granules under a microscope.

Granulocytes

Granulocytes contain obvious granules.
Neutrophils: The most abundant WBCs, highly mobile and rapidly migrate to tissues to engulf and digest foreign materials.
Eosinophils: Are numerous in the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Basophils: Involved in allergic reactions and killing parasites.

Basophils

Limited phagocytic ability.
Secrete heparin (an anticoagulant) preventing clotting in infected areas to allow WBCs to enter.
Secrete histamine, attracting WBCs by causing blood vessel leaking.

Agranulocytes

Agranulocytes lack cytoplasmic granules.
Two types: Lymphocytes and Monocytes.

Lymphocytes

The second most abundant WBCs and the smallest.
Responsible for long-term immunity.
T lymphocytes directly attack infected or cancerous cells.
B lymphocytes produce antibodies against specific antigens.
All lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow, some mature there, while others migrate to the thymus for development.
Mature lymphocytes colonize lymph system organs and tissues such as the spleen and lymph nodes.
Continuously cycle between the bloodstream and lymph system.
Can survive for weeks to decades.

Monocytes

The largest WBCs.
Highly phagocytic and can engulf large bacteria and viral infected cells.
After circulating for 10-20 hours, monocytes migrate into tissues and transform into macrophages.
Macrophages aggressively phagocytize bacteria, cellular debris, and cancerous cells.
Can live for years.

CBC

The complete blood cell count (CBC) is the most common blood test performed.
Provides information about all formed elements of the blood: red blood cells (RBCs), including hemoglobin, WBCs, and platelets.

Leukemia

A cancer of blood or bone marrow characterized by an extremely high WBC count.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on white blood cells and their functions! This quiz covers the types of WBCs, their characteristics, and roles in the immune system. Learn about granulocytes, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.