Eosinophils Flashcards
1
Q
what are features of eosinophils
A
- 12-17 µm
- circulate for 2-8 hrs
- migrate to skin, pulmonary (respiratory) mucosae and gastrointestinal mucosae
- Granules are acidophilic so are dark red with eosin staining
- Bi-lobed nucleus - these are often partly obscured by granules
2
Q
What are functions of Eosinphils?
A
- influenced by chemotaxis to chase pathogens
- involved in mediating allergic response
- can be phagocytic cells that form antibody-antigen complexes
- also undergoes exocytosis of toxic components.
3
Q
Why is eosinophils undergoing exocytosis an advantage for the immune system?
A
it makes them effective against multicellular parasites too big to engulf
4
Q
what might a high count of eosinophils indicate?
A
- Allergic reaction
- parasitic infection
- autoimmune disease
5
Q
what might a low count of eosinophils indicate?
A
- Drug toxicity
- stress
