Lab 11 Flashcards
Mastering the concepts and anatomy of lab eleven.
Describe the size and shape of an erythrocyte
Erythrocytes are normally about 2-2.5 micrometres in width and about 6.2-8.2 micrometres in diameter. Erythrocytes are bi-concave discs.
Describe the staining characteristics of an erythrocyte
Erythrocytes appear rather pinkish-red when stained.
What is the average life expectancy of a red blood cell?
Average life expectancy is anywhere from 100 to 120 days.
What organelles are not found in erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes only have cytoplasm and a cytoskeleton.
What do erythrocytes do?
Erythrocytes are primarily responsible for the transportation of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Describe the shape and nucleus of neutrophils.
Neutrophils have around 2-6 lobes and are anywhere from 8-9 micrometres in diameter.
Describe the shape and nucleus of eosinophils.
Eosinophils have a bi-lobed nucleus and are anywhere from 12-17 micrometres in diameter.
Describe the shape and nucleus of basophils.
Basophils have either a bi-lobed or irregular nucleus and are anywhere from 14-16 micrometres in diameter.
Where does erythropoiesis occur and what is it?
It is the formation of new red blood cells and occurs in spongy red bone marrow.
Where does leukopoiesis occur and what is it?
It is the formation of new leukocytes and occurs in spongy red bone marrow.
What kind of enzymes are found in neutrophils?
Neutrophils contain lysosomal enzymes (peroxidase and hydrolytic enzymes) as well as bacterial compounds (defensin).
What kind of enzymes are found in eosinophils?
Eosinophils contain antihistamines to combat allergic reactions.
What kind of enzymes are found in basophils?
Basophils contain histamine which serves to increase the reaction of inflammation.
Describe the shape, nucleus, and function of lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes have one fairly large, round nucleus (slightly indented, appears as haloing) and are anywhere from 7-20 micrometres in diameter. They are either T-cells (cell-mediated immunity) or B-cells (antibody-mediated immunity) to fight off pathogens and toxins.
Describe the shape, nucleus, and function of monocytes.
Monocytes have one indented nucleus (like a kidney bean) and are anywhere from 15-30 micrometres. They will enter tissues, become macrophages, and serve as a scavenger cell to fight off pathogens and debris.
What organelles do platelets have?
Platelets do not have a nucleus, but they have most of the other organelles.
Where do platelets come from?
Platelets are the shedding of cytoplasm from megakaryocytes.
What is the function of platelets?
Platelets are important in volume control of the body as they aid in blood clotting.
Describe continuous capillaries and give an example of where they can be found.
Continuous capillaries have a continuous and uninterrupted endothelial lining. They can be found in the brain, in muscle, and in fat.
Describe fenestrated capillaries and give an example of where they can be found.
Fenestrated capillaries have little fenestrations or pores in their endothelial lining. They can be found in the small intestine, endocrine glands, and the kidneys.
Describe sinusoidal capillaries and give an example of where they can be found.
Sinusoidal capillaries have large pores in their endothelial lining. They can be found in the liver, lymphoid tissue, or the spleen.
What are the three layers in the walls of arteries and veins?
- Tunica intima
- Tunica media
- Tunica externa
What do the internal elastic and external elastic membrane do?
The internal and external elastic membranes are only found in arteries and arterioles. The internal elastic membrane separates the tunica intima from the tunica media, and the external elastic membrane separates the tunica media from the tunica externa.
What three blood vessels branch off of the aortic arch?
From right to left, we have the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian artery.
