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Some Fundamentals about Blood Cells
Blood is composed of many different kinds of cells, each with a specific function. Most blood cells are formed in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream at various stages of maturity. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) make up 45 percent of blood volume. Their primary function is to pick up oxygen in the lungs and transport it to tissues throughout the body. At the tissue site, red blood cells exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide and carry it back to the lungs to be exhaled. White blood cells (leukocytes) are only /1,000 as numerous as red blood cells in the bloodstream. There are five main types: neutrophils (also called granulocytes), eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and Iymphocytes. Each plays a distinct and important role in helping the immune system fight infection. Neutrophils contain granules of bacteria-killing enzymes in the cytoplasm - the substance surrounding the cell. Eosinophils attack protozoa that cause infection. Basophils are the least common type of white blood cell and their function is not completely understood. They play an important role in regulating allergic reactions such as asthma, hives, hay fever and reactions to drugs. Monocytes are the largest white blood cells. They engulf and destroy invading bacteria and fungi and clean up debris once foreign organisms have been destroyed by other white blood cells. When monocytes leave the bloodstream and enter tissues or organs, they can evolve into larger cells called macrophages that have an increased capacity to destroy foreign organisms invading the body.
Lymphocytes are the smallest white blood cells and are the backbone of the immune system. Lymphocytes fight viral infections and assist in the destruction of other parasites, bacteria and fungi. One group of lymphocytes called T-cells regulates the immune system's response to invading organisms and is the body's main defense against viruses and protozoa. A second group called B-cells manufactures a kind of protein called an antibody or immunoglobulin. Antibodies attach to the surface of foreign organisms or the cells they have invaded and
summon a group of proteins in the bloodstream called the complement system to surround the infected organism or cell and dissolve a hole in it. Thrombocytes (platelets) are the smallest cell elements in the bloodstream. Platelets are needed to control bleeding. BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION New blood cells are constantly produced by the body. In healthy adults, an estimated 100 billion red cells and 400 million white cells are produced each hour. The life span of mature blood cells is short - only a few days or months. Ninety-five percent of the body's blood cell production is believed to take place in the bone marrow. The remainder occurs in the spleen. While most blood cells produced in the bone marrow are discharged directly into the bloodstream, T-cells first travel to the thymus gland (thus, the name T cells) where they receive further education or programming before being released into the bloodstream. All mature blood cells are believed to originate from very primitive cells in the bone marrow called "pluripotent stem cells." This cell is capable of producing other cells identical to itself. Pluripotent stem cells also produce other stem cells the lymphoid stem cell and the myeloid stem cell - from which the various types of mature blood cells evolve.
Red blood cells are the part of the body that carries out the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. Billions of doughnut shaped red blood cells hurtle through the body's blood vessels. They are packed with a protein called hemoglobin, which binds easily with oxygen. Red blood cells have a large surface area through which they pick up oxygen. They carry oxygen around the circulatory system and collect carbon dioxide for removal by the lungs. These cells make up almost 45 percent of the blood in the human body. Every second, two million new red blood cells are made for the blood.
Blood cells There are three kinds of cells in the blood. 1.White Blood Cells (WBC) 2.Red Blood Cells (RBC) 3.Platelets (PLT) All of these cells are produced in the bone marrow, the space in side the bones. White Blood Cells fight infections and their existence and health is extremely important. Low white blood count may cause serious infections. Leukemias are cancers of these cells. There are different while blood cells and each have a special function: Lymphocytes are the cells of immune system. These cells are in charge of recognizing bacteria and other infectious processes and trigger the immune response. They also play a major role in production of antibodies, the proteins that are important to fight infections. Lymphomas are cancers of these cells. Plasma cells are the cells that actually produce and secret the antibodies. Multiple Myeloma is a cancers that arises from these cells. Red Blood Cells carry oxygen in the blood. Low levels of red cells can cause fatigue, weakness, paleness and dizziness. Low red blood count causes Anemia. Platelets help us to stop bleeding. When we cut our hands, the platelets are the cells that stop the bleeding. Low levels of platelets can cause bleeding, degree of which depends on the severity of low platelets.
Red Blood Cells Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. They carry oxygen all over the body. The word used to describe a low red blood cell count is ANEMIA. When you are anemic the body tissues do not get enough oxygen to do their work. Anemia is determined by blood tests called hematocrit (hct) and hemoglobin (Hb). Symptoms Of Anemia: •Weakness, tiredness, fatigue •Dizziness, light-headedness •Pale skin •Shortness of breath •Pounding heart rate •Call your physician or nurse if you have any of the above symptoms. Your blood counts will be checked frequently during treatment. If your red count falls too low, you may need a blood transfusion to increase the number of red blood cells in your body. Ways To Reduce Symptoms Of Anemia:
•Plan frequent, short rest periods. •Limit your activities: Do the things that are most important to you. •When sitting or lying down, get up slowly to help prevent dizziness. •Dress warmly. •Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids.
Platelets Platelets are blood cells that help stop bleeding by making your blood clot. If your platelet count gets too low, you may bleed or bruise more easily than usual. Symptoms Of Low Platelet Count: •Unexpected bruising or small red spots (petechiae) often on the stomach or legs. •Bleeding from the gums, mouth or nose. •Reddish or pinkish urine. •Black or bloody bowel movements. •Coughing or vomiting blood. •Headaches, dizziness or fainting. •Any bleeding that will not stop. •Heavier or longer periods. Call your physician or nurse if you have any of the above symptoms. To Help Prevent Complications From Low Platelets: •Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth. •Check with your doctor before having any dental work done. •When using tools, knives, needles or scissors, take care not to nick or cut yourself. •Avoid contact sports and other activities that might result in injury. •Use an electric shaver instead of a razor for shaving. •Apply pressure to any bleeding injury until the bleeding stops. •Avoid aspirin or products containing aspirin. •Avoid alcoholic beverages, mouthwash, liquid cold medicine, or any other over-the- counter medication that contains alcohol. •Do not use suppositories or put anything in your rectum. •Women, do not use tampons or put anything in your vagina.
White Blood Cells White blood cells help the body fight and prevent infection. The body's main defense against infection causing bacteria is a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. Chemotherapy may cause the level of white blood cells (neutrophils) to decrease - a condition called neutropenia. Without enough white blood cells to fight off infection- causing bacteria, you may be at risk for infection. An infection can begin in almost any part of your body, including your mouth, lungs, skin, urinary tract, genital and rectal areas. Symptoms Of Infection: •Fever greater than 100.6 F. •Chills •Sweating •Severe cough, sore throat or stiff neck •Loose bowels/diarrhea •Burning feeling when you urinate •Unusual vaginal discharge or itching •Redness or swelling around skin sores. •Report any symptoms of infection to your physician or nurse right away. If you have a fever, don't use Aspirin, Tylenol or any other medicine to bring your temperature down without first checking with your physician or nurse. To Help Prevent Infection: •Avoid crowds and people with infections. •Stay away from children who recently have received immunizations, such as vaccines for polio, measles, mumps and rubella. •Wear gloves when gardening or cleaning up after animals and children. •Get adequate rest and exercise. •Maintain personal hygiene. Wash hands often. •Consult your doctor before traveling.
Battling Blood Cells : What do white blood cells look like?
