Answer to Question #252249 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Noah

Question

1. Describe the microscopic structure and Classification of leukocytes in the blood.

2. Describe the structure and function of RBC.

3. Definition of the Reticulocytes.

Answer 1

1.The five main types of blood cells are basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Basophils are the cells mainly responsible for allergic reactions. They defend against parasites and bacteria by excreting two chemicals: heparin and histamine. Heparin is a blood-thinning substance.

2.Red blood cells have a unique structure. Their flexible disc shape helps to increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of these extremely small cells. This enables oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse across the red blood cell's plasma membrane more readily.

3.Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells (RBCs). A reticulocyte count helps to determine the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood and is a reflection of recent bone marrow function or activity.