White Blood Cells

Flashcards based on some slides on White Blood Cells. Other flashcards for Red Blood Cells, Platelets, and a combination of all three can be found on my profile.

Leukemia

A type of blood cancer

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

The most common type of childhood leukemia (75% of all cancers), it progresses quickly

Leukocytes

Another name for white blood cells

Granulocytes

White blood cells with granular cytoplasms; inlcudes neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without granular cytoplasms; includes monocytes and lymphocytes

Neutrophil

Type of granulocyte with multi-lobed nucleus; has active phagocytes and makes up 60% of white blood cells (present in pus)

Eosinophil

Type of granulocyte that attacks parasites and makes up 2% of white blood cells

Basophil

Type of granulocyte that produces heparin (a blood thinner) and histamines to increase flow

Dermatographia

Condition where the immune system releases excess histamine, causing welts to appear when lightly scratched

Cold urticaria

Condition where hives or large welts form on the skin due to a cold stimulus

Monocyte

A type of agranulocyte with a large cell and horseshoe shaped nucleus; can become macrophages or dendritic cells (signallers)

Lymphocyte

A type of agranulocyte that is the main defense of the immune system; produces antibodies that are 30% of WBC count

Mononucleosis

Also called “mono” or the “kissing disease,” it’s caused by the Epstein-Barr virus

More lymphocytes enter the bloodstream; the virus is very common and can be solved with rest

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Virus that weakens the immune cells by infecting specific immune cells; not necessarily paired with AIDS

Infection occurs with bodily fluid exposure

AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; condition where immune cells fall and can allow opportunistic infections (no cure available)

Leukemia treatment phases

1. Remission induction

2. Consolidation

3. Maintenance

Chemotherapy

The use of drugs that target cancer cells; can also target healthy cells with hair loss, digestive issues, lower red blood cells, and weakened immune systems