Blood Flashcards
(20 cards)
Blood contains 4 main components
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
Plasma
How long does red blood cells live for
Life span of 120 days
What do red blood cells look like
Very small and
have no nucleus
Biconcave shape
Large surface to volume ratio
Why r red blood cells red
They contain in iron pigment called haemoglobin it forms oxyhemoglobin which is bright red
What do white blood cells look like
Slightly larger than red blood cells
They come in many different types
What do white blood cells do
They detect bacteria and then destroy them before they can harm the body
Produce anti bodies to protect us from infection. They protect us by making the bacteria cells stick together so that it is easier to kill them and some others release toxins which naturalise the poison released by the bacteria
What is the process called when white blood cells engulf bacteria to destroy them
Phagocytosis
List the 5 different types of white blood cells
Lymphocyte - big big neuclus
Monocyte- 1 bean shaped neucleus
Eosinophil - 2 small bean nucleus
Neutrophil - lots of weird shaped nucleus
Basophil -1 bean shaped nucleus to the side
What are platelets
Tiny cell fragment
They are carried around the blood and usually do nothing
What do platelets do
If the blood exposed to the air in a cut, the platelets travel to the cut to help to form, a network of fibres/ mesh work at the cut trapping red blood cells creating a cut.
This prevents blood being lost from the cut and stops bacteria and dirt getting in (pathogens)
The clots hardens turning into a scab. This keeps the wounds clean while new skin grows underneath
What is plasma
The liquid portion of the blood
Yellowish colour
How much of the blood is made from plasmas
55%
How much of the blood is made from the buffy coat of (white blood cells and platelets)
1%
How much of the blood is made from red blood cells
45%
What is plasma made from
Mainly water but has
Digested food (nutrients)
Hormones
Waste e.g carbon dioxide
What is the primary function of B lymphocytes (B cells) in the immune system?
B cells produce antibodies that bind to specific antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction.
What is agglutination in the context of the immune response?
Agglutination is the clumping together of pathogens by antibodies, making them easier targets for phagocytes.
How do antibodies facilitate the destruction of pathogens?
Antibodies bind to antigens on pathogens, neutralizing them and marking them for phagocytosis by immune cells.
What is the role of phagocytes in the immune system?
Phagocytes, like macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and digest pathogens that have been marked by antibodies.
Can B lymphocyte cells directly engulf pathogens?
While B lymphocyte cells primarily produce antibodies, certain B lymphocyte cells can internalize antigens through their receptors, but they are not primary phagocytic cells.
