White Blood Cells

Blood
‡ the average human has 5 litres of blood ‡ it is a transporting fluid ‡ it carries vital substances to all parts of the body

plasma (55%) red blood cells (5-6-million /ml) white blood cells (5000/ml) platelets

Human blood smear

Plasma liquid part of blood plasma transports:‡ soluble food molecules ‡ waste products ‡ hormones ‡ antibodies

Red blood cells specialisations
1) biconcave shape

2) no nucleus

3) contain haemoglobin

Red blood cells (RBCs) ‡ transport oxygen ‡ specialised to do this Also carry some CO2

Functions of White blood cells ‡ the bodies ´defenceµ ‡ part of the immune system

White Blood Cells
1. Characteristics Also called leukocytes 2. Kinds of White Blood Cells a. Granulocytes - granules in cytoplasm 1. Neutrophil - lobed nucleus a. 54-62% of WBC

2. Eosinophils- two lobed nucleus a. 1-3% of WBC b. Kills parasites, helps control inflammation in allergic reactions.

3. Basophils - lobed nucleus a. Less than 1% of WBC b. Releases heparin and histamine

b.

Agranulocyte - no granules in cytoplasm 1. Monocyte - largest cells in blood a. Nuclei vary c. Live for several weeks or months d. Phagocytose large particles

2. Lymphocyte a. Large, round nucleus b. Live long may be even years d. Provides immunity.