WBC Flashcards
What are the primary types of leukocytes?
Monocytes, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils
Leukocytes are classified into agranulocytes and granulocytes.
What is the primary function of neutrophils?
Defense through phagocytosis
Neutrophils are the main inflammatory cell involved in bacterial infections.
What are the stages of the phagocytic process?
- Chemotaxis
- Adherence
- Ingestion
These stages are crucial for leukocyte function in defense.
What type of immunity do T lymphocytes provide?
Cell-mediated immunity
T lymphocytes are involved in the immune response by secreting cytokines.
What is the primary role of B lymphocytes?
Humoral immunity by producing antibodies
B lymphocytes also form memory cells for long-term immunity.
Where do leukocytes primarily develop?
Bone marrow
The development includes stages like myeloblast, promyelocyte, and myelocyte.
What is leukopoiesis?
The process of white blood cell production
This occurs mainly in the bone marrow and lymphatic system.
What is the lifespan of neutrophils in peripheral circulation during inflammation?
Minutes to a few hours
This is significantly shorter compared to their lifespan under healthy conditions.
What characterizes eosinophils in terms of morphology?
- Slightly larger than neutrophils
- Less lobulated nucleus
- Red-orange granules
Eosinophils are involved in antiparasitic responses and hypersensitivity.
What is the function of basophils?
Activate histamine and contain heparin
Basophils are associated with inflammatory responses.
What distinguishes monocytes from other leukocytes?
Largest WBC with open and lacey chromatin
Monocytes can differentiate into macrophages in tissues.
What is the primary function of lymphocytes?
Immunity
Lymphocytes include T cells and B cells, each with specific immune roles.
What is the appearance of a plasma cell?
Oval-round nucleus, deep blue cytoplasm
Plasma cells are differentiated B lymphocytes responsible for antibody production.
What are the components of a leukocyte evaluation?
- WBC Count
- Morphology
- Differential
- Inclusions
- Interpretations
These components help assess the leukocyte population in a blood smear.
What is a left shift in leukocyte evaluation?
Increase in immature neutrophils in response to inflammation
It indicates a strong inflammatory response.
What causes neutrophilia?
- Stress
- Inflammation
- Infection
Neutrophilia is often observed in acute inflammatory responses.
What does eosinophilia indicate?
Allergies, parasites, neoplasia
Eosinophilia is characterized by an increased eosinophil count in blood.
What are Dohle bodies?
Aggregates of RNA remnants in neutrophils
They can be normal in cats and horses and indicate a response to inflammation.
What are smudge cells?
Ruptured WBCs seen in chronic leukemia
They are also known as ‘basket cells’ and indicate cell fragility.
