Unit 1

Option 2: Discuss the morphology of erythrocytes and leukocytes and how their morphology impacts their functions. Also discuss the production of blood cells and what can happen in the body when that system malfunctions.

Red blood cells are round, with a shallow bowl structure. This circular shape helps in traveling through the narrowest of blood vessels, and moves more oxygen. The red blood cell is biconcave. Leukocytes are larger than erythrocytes, which helps with their function.

The functions of blood are, regulate body temperature, move oxygen and nutrients to the lungs and cell tissue, to transport carbon dioxide from cells to the lungs, and antibodies that fight infection, also deliver waste product to the kidneys and liver(to filter), and form blood clots to prevent blood loss. The red blood cells or erythrocytes develop in the bone marrow. RBCs also move carbon dioxide from cells and into the lungs. The white blood cells protect the body from infection. The most common type of WBC is neutrophil, the immediate response cell and accounts for 60-70% of the total WBC. Neutrophils will last less than 1 day, so the bone marrow must constantly make new neutrophils to maintain protection against infection and disease.

The T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes are the other major white blood cells. T lymphocytes help to regulate the function of other immune cells and to attack infected cells and tumors. The B lymphocytes make antibodies which are proteins that specifically target bacteria, and viruses. An example of what can happen in the body when the production of red blood cells becomes too low; the body becomes anemic (lack of blood). This can lead to health problems because RBCs contain hemoglobin which transport oxygen to the body’s’ tissues. Anemia can cause a host of symptoms and complications including fatigue and stress on organs, heart palpitations, also shortness of breath on exertion.

References:

Thibodeau, G.A., & Patton, K.T. (2008)....