Blood, blood vessels & lymph Flashcards
(20 cards)
Why are red blood cells (erythrocytes) bi-concave discs?
- Helps them squeeze through capillaries
2. Increases SA for gas exchange
What are names of cell types that live in connective tissue?
- Mast cells
2. Tissue Macrophages (histiocytes)
What is function of mast cells?
Produce vasoactive substances e.g. histamine in allergy. Triggers process of inflammation
What is function of tissue macrophages and what special ability do they have that supports this function?
Destroy foreign substances. Can join together to form multinucleate giant cells
What is most common white cell found in blood?
Neutrophils
Description of neutrophils
- Multilobed nuclei
2. Cytoplasm has granules
What is function of neutrophils?
- Primary defence against bacteria & fungi (non specific)
- Phagocytose bacteria
Where do eosinophils get their name?
Cytoplasm takes up eosin dye (H&E) = pink
Description of eosinophils?
- Bilobed nuclei
2. Pink cytoplasmic granules
What are basophils?
- Very small amounts in blood
- Similar to mast cells
What is shape of nucleus of lymphocytes?
Dense, round nucleus (mononuclear)
Description of cytoplasm of lymphocytes?
Minimal cytoplasm
Function of lymphocytes?
- Move freely from blood to connective tissue and back, serving as scouts & weapons against invading microorganisms by manufacturing antibodies after recognising antigens
What are antibodies?
Proteins that recognise & bind to foreign substances
Classification of lymphocytes?
B or T lymphocytes
Classification of plasma cells
B cells
Description of nuclei & cytoplasm of plasma cells
Granular nuclei. Basophilic cytoplasm
Function of plasma cells?
Antibody production when pathogens can’t be beaten by macrophages alone
Function of lymph nodes?
Form part of lymphatic system. Filter lymph and collects all excessive fluids
Where does lymph return to blood?
At the thoracic duct & right lymphatic duct
