1. Characteristics Of Formed Elements Of The Blood
Anatomy & Physiology

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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)

9. 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 )

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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