White Blood Cells

Question 1

What is myelopoiesis?

Answer 1

The process of myelocyte (white blood cells) production

Question 2

What is lymphopoiesis?

Answer 2

The process of lymphocyte production

Question 3

What is the primary function of white blood cells?

Answer 3

To kiss invading pathogens and identify harmful agents

Question 4

What percentage of whole blood do WBCs make up?

Answer 4

Less than 1%

Question 5

How does WBC analysis help in disease diagnosis?

Answer 5

It aids in diagnosing infections, leukemia, and inflammatory conditions.

Question 6

What is the primary function of red blood cells (RBCs)?

Answer 6

To transport oxygen

Question 7

How do WBCs differ from RBCs?

Answer 7

WBCs have multiple functions, multiple lineages, and play a key role in the immune system, whereas RBCs have one function—oxygen transport

Question 8

What are neutrophils?

Answer 8

First responders to infection, making up the largest percentage of WBCs in most species.

Question 9

What is the lifespan of neutrophils?

Answer 9

Approximately 1 to 4 days

Question 10

What is the primary function of neutrophils?

Answer 10

Phagocytosis and releasing antimicrobials through degranulation

Question 11

What are monocytes?

Answer 11

WBCs that develop into macrophages or dendritic cells in tissues

Question 12

What is the primary function of monocytes?

Answer 12

Phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and cytokine release

Question 13

What are eosinophils responsible for?

Answer 13

They play a key role in helminth (parasitic worm) infections and allergic reactions

Question 14

What is the role of basophils?

Answer 14

Involved in allergic reactions and helminth responses by releasing histamine

Question 15

What is a leukogram?

Answer 15

An examination of leukocyte concentrations in blood

Question 16

What does neutrophilia indicate?

Answer 16

An increased number of neutrophils, which may indicate infection, stress, or excitement

Question 17

What is a left shift in neutrophils?

Answer 17

An increase in immature neutrophils (band neutrophils) in blood, indicating inflammation

Question 18

What does neutropenia indicate?

Answer 18

A decrease in neutrophils, often due to severe infections

Question 19

How do eosinophil levels change in lungworm infections?

Answer 19

They rise significantly from normal levels (0-4%) to 16-32%

Question 20

What are the two main types of lymphocytes?

Answer 20

T lymphocytes (cell-mediated immunity) and B lymphocytes (humoral immunity)

Question 21

What is the function of helper T lymphocytes?

Answer 21

To regulate immune responses by releasing cytokines

Question 22

What do cytotoxic T lymphocytes do?

Answer 22

Kill infected host cells, especially those infected by viruses

Question 23

What is the primary role of B lymphocytes?

Answer 23

To produce antibodies

Question 24

What are the five classes of antibodies in mammals?

Answer 24

IgG, IgD, IgA, IgM, and IgE

Question 25

What is the function of IgE?

Answer 25

It is associated with allergic reactions and parasite infections

Question 26

What is the function of IgA?

Answer 26

It protects mucosal surfaces

Question 27

What is the function of IgM?

Answer 27

It is the first antibody produced in an initial infection

Question 28

What is ELISA used for?

Answer 28

Detecting antibodies in a sample

Question 29

Why is measuring antibody isotypes important?

Answer 29

It helps determine the type of infection and immune response

Question 30

What is lymphocytosis?

Answer 30

An increased lymphocyte count, which may indicate lymphoma, infection, or excitement

Question 31

What is lymphopenia?

Answer 31

A decreased lymphocyte count, which may be due to stress, major illness, or immunodeficiency

Question 32

How can lymphocytosis be distinguished from excitement-related increases?

Answer 32

By checking behavior, repeating tests after calming the animal, and examining cell morphology

Question 33

What are the two main methods of diagnosing infections using WBCs?

Answer 33

Detection of the pathogen and detection of the immune response

Question 34

Why are two antibody samples needed for diagnosis?

Answer 34

One during the illness and another 2-3 weeks later to observe rising antibody levels.

Question 35

Why is antibody measurement important in veterinary medicine?

Answer 35

It helps in diagnosing infections and understanding immune responses.

Question 36

What are the two major types of lymphocytes?

Answer 36

T lymphocytes (cell-mediated immunity) and B lymphocytes (humoral immunity

Question 37

What do helper T lymphocytes do?

Answer 37

Regulate immune responses by releasing cytokines

Question 38

What do cytotoxic T lymphocytes do?

Answer 38

Kill virus-infected host cells

Question 39

What is the function of B lymphocytes?

Answer 39

Antibody production