Characteristics Of Formed Elements Of The Blood Anatomy & Physiology

ERYTHROCYTES Also Known as red blood cells (RBC) They are anucleate – lacking a nucleus Erythrocytes also lack a mitochondria Structure: Small , Flexible , and Flattened Discs with thin centers The size of the cell makes it suitable for gas exchanges Erythrocytes outnumber the white blood cells by the ratio of 1000 to 1

Function Of Erythrocytes Transport oxygen bound to hemoglobin molecules. Transport small amount of carbon monoxide

NEUTROPHILS They have multilobed nucleus with very fine granules They are avid Phagocytes of acute infection They kill mostly bacteria and fungi , with a respiratory burst I. A respiratory burst contains chemicals such as bleach , hydrogen peroxide , and others. They make up 40%-70% of white blood cells in mammals They have an average diameter of 8-9 micrometers The nucleolus disappears as the neutrophil ages The cell nucleus of a neutrophil from a female shows a small additional X chromosome They live for about 4-5 days

Function Of Neutrophils Active Phagocytes Increases rapidly during short term or acute infections

EOSINOPHILS Cytoplasmic granules Number increases rapidly during infection by parasitic worms Ingested in food via. skin Releases enzymes from their cytoplasmic granules onto parasites surface

Functions of Eosinophils Kills parasitic worms by attacking them with digestive enzymes Plays a complex role in allergy attacks

BASOPHILS Rarest of the WBC Have protein receptors on cell surface that binds IgE Large cytoplasmic granules Arise and mature in bone marrow Secretes lipid mediators ( leukotrienes , and several cytokines)

Function Of Basophils Releases Histamine at the sites of inflammation (promotes blood flow to tissue) Contains heparin , and anticoagulant ( prevents blood from clotting too quickly )

MONOCYTES A large Phagocytic white blood cell with a simple oval nucleus and clear grayish cytoplasm Fights off bacteria , viruses , and fungi Biggest type of white blood cell

Functions Of Monocytes Monocytes have the ability to change into another cell formed called macrophages before facing the germs. Consume or “munch” on harmful bacteria fungi , and viruses Helps mend damage tissue by stopping the inflammation process

PLATELETS Also called Thrombocytes Blood cells whose function is to stop bleeding No Nucleus Pieces of cytoplasm that came from megakaryocytes of bone marrow Enters the circulation DISADVATGES A. If you have to many platelets 1. Increases the risk of clotting 2. If stuck together , causes stroke & heart attack

Function Of Platelets Needed for normal blood clotting Clotting cascade by clinging to torn area