Ch. 12 Disorders of White Blood Cells

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to disorders of white blood cells, including types of leukocytes and relevant conditions.

Leukocyte

A type of white blood cell that protects the body against infection.

Hematopoiesis

The process of forming blood cellular components; includes the production of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets.

Neutrophil

The most common type of granulocyte; involved in the first response to infection and carrying out phagocytosis.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells (like macrophages) engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell (includes T-cells and B-cells) that is crucial for adaptive immunity.

Agranulocyte

A type of white blood cell that does not contain granules in its cytoplasm, including monocytes and lymphocytes.

Leukocytosis

A condition characterized by an elevated number of white blood cells, commonly indicating infection or inflammation.

Leukopenia

A condition of having lower than normal white blood cell count.

Monocytes

A type of agranulocyte that can mature into macrophages and are involved in phagocytosis.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that become elevated during allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

Basophils

The least common type of granulocyte; involved in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

A type of cancer that affects B-lymphocytes and is most commonly seen in individuals over 70 years of age.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

An aggressive form of leukemia characterized by immature lymphocytes (lymphoblasts) and more common in children.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)

A type of lymphoma that can arise from B, T, or NK cells and is more common in older adults.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL)

A type of lymphoma characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and more common in young adults.