Submitted by: Submitted by halafal
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Category: Science and Technology
Date Submitted: 05/11/2013 09:15 PM
1) What is the main function of RBCs?
The major function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to all the tissues from the lungs.
2) List the 5 types of leukocytes and describe the function of each.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the primary first defense in any infection. They are the most common and generally represent 50 to 60 percent of all white blood cells in the body. Their lifespan ranges between a few hours to a few days, and therefore, they are constantly reproducing. Neutrophils are defenders against bacterial and fungal infection and are present in large numbers in any inflammatory reaction. They are capable of engulfing a foreign invader in a process called phagocytosis. Neutrophils are attracted to the site of an injury or a foreign invader within moments and are the primary component of inflammation.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are white blood cells that make up about six percent of the total white blood cell count and are primarily responsible for allergic reaction modulation, making them a main component of asthma reactions. They also are also involved in the defense against large parasites that may enter the body. Under microscopic observation, eosinophils appear to be granular. These granules contain chemical mediators, such as histamine and proteins that are toxic to parasites. They are released in a process called the granulation.
Basophils
Basophils are similar to eosinophils in function, but are the least common white blood cell, making up only about .1 percent of all white blood cells. Like the eosinophil, basophils are granular and secrete some of the same proteins, including histamine, in their function to modulate allergic reactions. They are heavily involved in asthma attacks. During an allergic reaction, basophils will migrate to the source of the reaction and may leave the blood and enter the tissues to perform their duty.
Lymphocyte
Lymphocytes are another white blood cell, making up 25 to 30 percent of all leukocytes. They...