Blood and Marrow Lab Flashcards
What types of leukocytes are there?
Monomorphonuclear non-granulocytes and Polymorphonuclear granulocytes
What is the function of lymphocytes?
To defend against viral infections.
What is the function of monocytes?
These granules contain lysosomal enzyme and peroxidase. Monocytes are phagocytic cells that are important in the inflammatory response.
What do monocytes look like?
They are larger than lymphocytes and have less-clearly demarcated nuclei that are usually not centered in the cell. These nuclei appear horseshoe-shaped and the cytoplasm contains fine granules that give it a muddy gray color.
Describe neutrophils (appearance and function)
Neutrophils are by far the most numerous of the leukocytes. They are characterized by a nucleus that is segmented into three to five lobes that are joined by slender strands. The cytoplasm of neutrophils stains a pale pink. Its primary granules contain acid hydrolases and cationic proteins, and its secondary granules contain a variety of antimicrobial substances used to destroy bacteria that they phagocytose during the acute inflammatory response.
Name the three types of polymorphonuclear granulocytes
Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils
Describe eosinophils (form and function)
Eosinophils are larger than neutrophils and are distinguished by large red or orange granules of uniform size. These granules contain major basic protein, which is released to kill organisms too large to phagocytose, such as parasites and helminthes (worms).
Describe basophils (appearance and function).
Basophils are intermediate in size between neutrophils and eosinophils and have simple or bilobed nuclei. They contain many coarse purple granules that can vary in size or shape. These granules contain histamine, which is released to cause a vasoactive response in hypersensitivy reactions, and heparin, which is an anticoagulant. Basophils are not phagocytic.
What are the different cell type stages in erythropoesis?
erythroblast, proerythroblast, basophilic erythroblast, polychromatophilic erythroblast, orthochromatic erythroblast, reticulocyte, erythrocycte
What are the different cell type stages in granulopoesis?
myeloblast, promyelocyte (these also give rise to eosinophils and basophils), myelocyte, metamyelocyte, band cell, neutrophil
What are the progenitor cells for platelets?
Megakaryocytes
What is the difference between blood, plasma, and serum?
Blood provides a mechanism by which nutrients, gases, and wastes can be transported throughout the body. It consists of a number of cells suspended in a fluid medium known as plasma. Serum refers to plasma after clotting factors and fibrin have been removed.
