[BIO139] Blood Cell Histology

Basic cell histology of formed elements in the blood

Neutrophils

Appearance: Three lobed nucleus, small granules

Function: Phagocytize bacteria

Lymphocytes

Appearance: Large spherical nucleus, no visible granules

Function: Direct cell attack via antibodies

Monocytes

Appearance: “Kidney bean” shaped nucleus, no visible granules

Function: Phagocytosis, develops into macrophages in the tissues

Eosinophils

Appearance: Bi-lobed nucleus, bright red granules

Function: Kill parasitic worm infections

Basophils

Appearance: Bi-lobed nucleus, purple/blue granules

Function: Drives allergic reactions, releases histamine to promote inflammation

Erythrocytes

Appearance: Bi concave, thin center, thick edges, light pink

Function: Transport O2 and CO2

Thrombocytes

Appearance: Purple scattered fragments

Function: Blood clotting

Antigens

Any substance (commonly proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, or nucleic acids) that the immune system recognizes as foreign or harmful, triggering a targeted immune response.

Antibodies

Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system's B cells to identify, neutralize, and destroy foreign substances known as antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Agglutinogens

An antigen that stimulates the production of an agglutinin. (Inherited, RBC type “markers”)

Agglutinins

An antibody, lectin, or other substance that causes agglutination.

Leukocytosis

WBC count above normal, can indicate disease or inflammation.

Leukopenia

WBC count below normal, can indicate poisoning or infectious disease (Ex: AIDS).

Polycythemia

RBC count above normal, can indicate cancer or high exercise, high altitude, dehydration.

Anemia

Inadequate ability to transport oxygen. Can be the result of decreased RBC count or decreased hemoglobin count. Different types.

Inadequate erythropoiesis

Inadequate ability to transport oxygen due to lack of RBC production.

Hemorrhagic Anemia

Inadequate ability to transport oxygen due to blood loss.

Hemolytic Anemia

Inadequate ability to transport oxygen due to RBC destruction.