Histology-Fall11 Blood

BLOOD FILM

Characteristics: contains formed elements—erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes; also plasma.

Function: Transport of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), ions, proteins and lipids among other things.

NEUTROPHIL

Charcteristics: 60-70% circulating leukocytes, divided into two to five segments or lobes, light-staining.

Function: Phagocytosis of foreighn cells, toxins, and viruses; involved in bacterial infections.

NEUTROPHIL W/DRUMSTICK

Characteristics: Small lobe protrudes from the nucleus, known as "drumstick." It represents the inactive sex chromosome of the cell (Barr body).

Location: Found solely in females.

EOSINOPHIL

Characteristics: Constitute 2-4% of circulating Leukocytes. Bilobed nucleus, reddish-orange granules.

Function: Effective against parasitic-worm infections; involved in allergic reactions.

BASOPHIL

Characteristics: 0.5-1% of circulating Leukocytes (least numerous of all leukocytes). Nuclei stain dark blue-purple, numerous dark granules may sometimes mask the nucleus.

Function: A role in allergic responses. Granules contain histamines (vasodilators) and heparin (anticoagulant).

SMALL LYMPHOCYTE

Characteristics: Large dark purple staining nucleus with thin rim of pale blue cytoplasm; accounts for 255-35% of circulating leukocytes.

Functions: B-cells involved in humoral immunity and produce antibodies; T-cells involved in cell-mediated immunity to destoy foreign cells.

LARGE LYMPHOCYTE

Characteristics: More abundant and basophilic cytoplasm than small lymphocytes; also cytotoxic or natural killer cells; may function in absence of antibodies.

Function: Destroy tissue grafts, tumor cells, and cells infected with viruses through production of perforins.

MONOCYTE

Characteristics: 3-8% of circulating leukocytes. Kidney-shapped or horseshoe-shaped nucleus.

Function: Migrate into tissues, where they become macrophages and sere in phagocytosis of foreign particles such as viruses and bacteria.

NEUTROPHILIA

Increased neutrophil count.

Cause: Bacteria Infection.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Anemia: Messes up with the form of erythrocytes. Not enough healthy red blood cells.

Red blood cells: provide O₂ to the tissues.

CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

There's too many lymphocytes that are about the same size. Occurs over a long period of time.