blood cells 2: white cells Flashcards
explain the origin and function of white cells and recall their intravascular life span, including neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and lymphocytes
what affects which differentiating pathway a stem cell takes?
cytokines eg G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), M-CSF (macrophage), GM-CSF, interleukins
what changes can be seen as the white cell matures?
chromatin condenses, nucleus becomes segmented
how long do neutrophils survive in circulation?
7-10 hours (then migrate to tissues)
what is the main function of neutrophils?
defence against infection - phagocytoses then kills microorganisms
how do neutrophils reach the site of infection?
adhesion -> margination -> rolling along endothelium -> diapedesis (moving through endothelium) -> migration (chemotaxis - attracted to site of infection by cytokines)-> phagocytosis
what is the main function of eosinophils?
defence against parasitic infection
what is the main function of basophils?
role in allergic responses
how long do monocytes stay in circulation?
several days
what happens when monocytes migrate to tissue?
develop into macrophages / other specialised cells that have phagocytic and scavenging function, macrophages also store and release iron
