Red and White Blood Cells PDF

## Red Blood Cells - Red blood cells are surrounded by a cell membrane which is normally smooth. - When in a hypertonic saline solution (over 0.9% NaCl) red blood cells shrink due to water leaving the cell resulting in an irregular, spiky shape. - In a hypotonic saline solution (0.4-0.5% NaCl), he...

## Red Blood Cells - Red blood cells are surrounded by a cell membrane which is normally smooth. - When in a hypertonic saline solution (over 0.9% NaCl) red blood cells shrink due to water leaving the cell resulting in an irregular, spiky shape. - In a hypotonic saline solution (0.4-0.5% NaCl), hemolysis occurs. This is when the cell membrane ruptures and hemoglobin is released into the surrounding fluid. - Red blood cells live for approximately 120 days. Most are broken down in the spleen. - The body produces an average of 50,000 new red blood cells per cubic millimeter each day. ## White Blood Cells - The number of white blood cells in the body can range from 4,000 to 10,000 per cubic millimeter of blood. - All white blood cells are capable of amoeboid movement. - White blood cells are usually found in bodily fluids, but can also be found outside of the bloodstream, such as in connective tissue. - White blood cells are attracted to various substances such as bacterial products. - In their natural state, white blood cells are spherical. They grow cellular extensions called pseudopodia that enable them to move quickly. - Some white blood cells are able to engulf and break down small particles. This process is called phagocytosis. ## Types of White Blood Cells - **Leukocytes** can be categorized into 2 groups: - **Granulocytes** are characterized by the presence of granules or korn in their cytoplasm. These include: - **Neutrophils** (65-70% of the total leukocyte count) appear dark in color. - **Eosinophils** (2-4% of the total leukocyte count) appear red in color. - **Basophils** (less than 1% of the total leukocyte count) appear blue in color. - **Agranulocytes** do not have granules in their cytoplasm. - **Granulocytes** are larger than red blood cells (10-12 µm) and have irregular nuclei. - Leukocytes appear colorless when viewed under a microscope. Different types of granulocytes can be identified by staining them with a basic dye. - **Agranulocytes** are defined as cells that do not contain any granules in their cytoplasm. - When granulocytes are almost entirely absent in the bloodstream, the body's ability to fight infection is greatly reduced. This condition is known as **agranulocytosis**.