Whole Blood Smear Formed Elements 2

Erythrocyte (Red Blood Cell or RBC)

Transports respiratory gases — carries oxygen (O₂) to tissues and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the lungs.

Neutrophil

Ingests microorganisms and particles through phagocytosis, especially bacteria; active in the early phase of acute inflammation.

Basophil

Contains heparin (prevents blood from clotting too quickly) and histamine (promotes blood flow); involved in hypersensitivity and severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

Eosinophil

Fights parasitic larvae infections, acts at sites of allergic reactions, phagocytoses antigen-antibody complexes, and releases toxic substances to kill invaders and deactivate inflammatory chemicals.

Lymphocyte

• B cells: Produce antibodies.

• T cells: Attack foreign cells directly.

Monocyte

Large “monster” cells that gobble up debris and pathogens; precursors to macrophages in the mononuclear phagocytic system.

Thrombocyte (Platelet)

Prevents bleeding by forming a platelet plug during clot formation.

Origin of Blood Formed Elements

All blood cells and platelets are produced in the red bone marrow.