Constituents of Blood Flashcards
what is the production of blood cells called and where does it take place?
haematopoiesis
in the bone marrow
what bones in an adult are able to produce RBCs?
the axial skeleton (skull, ribs, sternum, pelvis, proximal ends of femurs)
what are granulocytes?
white blood cells that contain granules
describe the appearance of eosinophils
bi-lobed
bright orange/red granules
describe the function of eosinophils
fight parasitic infections
involved in hypersensitivity reactions
describe the appearance of basophils
contain deep purple granules
nucleus often obscured
describe the function of basophils
mediates hypersensitivity reactions
what do the granules in basophils contain?
histamine
what do basophils bind to?
IgE
what is another name for neutrophils?
polymorphs
what are the three granulocytes?
basophils
eosinophils
neutrophils
describe the structure of neutrophils
segmented nucleus
neutral staining granules
how long do neutrophils last in circulation?
less than a day
describe the function of neutrophils
phagocytose invader cells
attract inflammatory cells
describe the structure of monocytes
large single nucleus
faintly staining granules, often vacuolated
