Cells and cells adaptations Flashcards
Describe what a red blood cell is/ does
-erythrocyte
-adapted to carry large amounts of oxygen in the body
-biconcave shape with no nucleus
Describe what a white blood cell is/ does
-leukocyte
-there are 3 different types of white blood cells:
lymphocytes
monocytes
granulocytes
-these are all involved in the immune system and in the inflammatory response
Describe what a neutrophil is/ does
-a type of granulocyte
-small, active cells that protect the body against bacterial infection, removing dead cells and debris from damaged tissues
-typically first to arrive at the site of infection
-remove infecting bacteria through phagocytosis
Describe what a monocyte is/ does
-the largest type of white blood cell
-support the immune process through producing cytokines and supporting phagocytosis
How is mitosis different from meiosis?
-Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells that have the same number of chromosomes as the original cell, occurs in somatic cells
-Meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells that have half the number of chromosomes as the original cell, occurs in gametes
Describe what a lymphocyte is/ does
-divide into two types, T and B cells which are involved in the immune system
Describe what a eosinophils is/ does
-regulate the inflammatory response through releasing tissue mediators (cytokines) and are important in supporting the body’s response to allergies
Describe what a basophil is/ does
-support the function of the mast cells in connective tissue
What is atrophy?
A decrease in cell size due to multiple reasons:
-poor blood flow
-poor stimulation
-loss of endocrine stimulation
What is metaplasia?
-a reversible change where one adult type of cell is replaced by another adult type of cell
-e.g in someone who smokes the airway in the trachea and main bronchus will change
What is hypertrophy?
the increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells
What is dysplasia?
The presence of abnormal cells in terms of different size, shapes and how they’re organised
e.g carcinoma association
What is apoptosis?
pre-programmed cell death, used during early development
What is meant by cell injury? How can it occur?
-A sequence of events that occur when stresses exceed the ability of cells to adapt
-can occur through physical injury, radiation injury, chemical injury, biological agents, nutritional imbalance
What is hyperplasia?
an increase in number of cells in a tissue or organ
