Differential Blood Count and Formed Elements of Blood

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to differential blood count and the formed elements of blood.

Leukocytes

Also known as white blood cells, involved in the immune response.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Thrombocytes

Also known as platelets, these are cell fragments that are crucial for blood clotting.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes that contain granules in their cytoplasm; includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Agranulocytes

A category of leukocytes that lack visible granules; includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

Neutrophils

A type of granulocyte that is the most abundant white blood cell, involved in phagocytosis.

Eosinophils

Granulocytes that are involved in the destruction of parasitic worms and have red/pink granules.

Basophils

Least common granulocytes that mediate allergic reactions and have deep-purple granules.

Lymphocytes

A type of agranulocyte that plays a key role in adaptive immunity; includes B cells, T cells, and NK cells.

Monocytes

Large agranulocytes that can differentiate into macrophages and have a phagocytic function.

Centrifugation

The process used to separate components of blood based on density.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, engulf and digest particles or pathogens.