S1: White Blood Cells and Phagocytosis Flashcards
What are granular leucocytes also called?
Granulocytes
Describe the nucleus of granulocytes
Polymorphonuclear cells
Give examples of granulocytes
Neutrophils
Mast cells
Basophils
Eosinophils
What colour does basophils stain in H and E staining?
Blue granules
How many basophils are in circulation (rough percentage of WBC)?
0.1-0.2 %
What are the main roles of basophils?
Hypersensitivity: type I allergy
Degranulation (e.g. Histamine) for inflammation
Where are mast cells located?
In tissues close to blood vessels
Where are basophils and eosinophils located?
In blood circulation
What do granules in mast cells contain?
Inflammatory mediators
What do mast cells release for inflammation?
Degranulation(but less than basophils)
What is the main role of mast cells?
Hypersensitivity type I allergy
Parasites
What colour does eosinophils stain in H and E staining?
Pink granules
How many eosinophils are in circulation (rough percentage of WBC)?
4% of all WBC in circulation
What is the role of eosinophils?
They have a role in immune responses to parasites and allergies
Release granules content to kill (bigger) target
Give an example of a granule in eosinophils
Eosinophils cationic protein
Describe the nucleus of monocytes/macrophages
They are non granulated
Mononuclear
What is the main function of dendritic cells?
Antigen presenting cells
They capture microbes and are involved in phagocytosis but they then display the microbes antigens to T cells.
This links innnate and adaptive immune system
What is the definition of phagocytosis?
Cell eating microorganism/other cells/nutrients
What’s is the role of phagocytosis?
- protection from pathogens
- disposal of damaged/dying (apoptotic) cells
- processing and presentation of antigens
- link innate and adaptive immunity
What are phagocytes?
They are specialised cells that identify, ingest and destroy pathogens
Give some examples of phagocytes
Neutrophils
Macrophages
Dendritic cells
Describe the nucleus of neutrophils
They are polymorphonuclear leukocytes and they have multiple lobes on their nucleus