Topic: Blood: Development, regulation and fate of blood cells. Cardio-vascular, cardiac output
Question: “Classify white blood cells and explain their morphology and functions. Add a note on leukaemia. “
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White Blood Cells:
1. Neutrophils
– Morphology: 10-12μm size, multilobed nucleus, cytoplasmic granules
– Function: Phagocytose and destroy bacteria and foreign particles, release antimicrobials
2. Eosinophils
– Morphology: 10-12μm size, bilobed nucleus, cytoplasmic granules
– Function: Defend against parasites and allergens, modulate inflammation
3. Basophils
– Morphology: 10-12μm size, bilobed nucleus, cytoplasmic granules
– Function: Release histamine and heparin, mediate inflammatory reactions
4. Lymphocytes
– Morphology: Small cells (7μm) with large nucleus, scarce cytoplasm
– Functions: Cell-mediated immunity (T cells), humoral immunity (B cells)
5. Monocytes
– Morphology: 12-20μm, kidney shaped nucleus, abundant cytoplasm
– Function: Phagocytosis, cytokine production, develop into macrophages
Leukemia:
– Cancer of white blood cells where abnormal leukocytes proliferate rapidly.
– Can be acute or chronic leukemia depending on how quickly the disease develops.
– Caused by mutations in the DNA of immature blood cells in the bone marrow.
– Characterized by replacement of normal bone marrow with leukemic cells.
