Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Antigens

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Antigens

Previous problemNext problem

Problem L3.4

Textbook Question

Mr. White developed neutropenia as a consequence of cancer chemotherapy, which destroyed much of his bone marrow. What other components of the immune system would be harmed by bone marrow destruction? Would you expect his hematocrit to be elevated or decreased? What effects would you expect to see from this change in hematocrit?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of bone marrow in the immune system. Bone marrow is responsible for producing various blood cells, including white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), and platelets. Neutropenia, a condition characterized by a low neutrophil count, indicates that the production of white blood cells has been compromised.

Step 2: Identify other components of the immune system affected by bone marrow destruction. Since bone marrow produces lymphocytes (B cells and T cells), which are crucial for adaptive immunity, their production would also be impaired. Additionally, macrophages and dendritic cells, which originate from monocytes produced in the bone marrow, may be affected.

Step 3: Analyze the impact on hematocrit levels. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Bone marrow destruction would likely lead to decreased production of red blood cells, resulting in a lower hematocrit level. This is because erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) occurs in the bone marrow.

Step 4: Consider the physiological effects of a decreased hematocrit. A lower hematocrit reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. This is due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.

Step 5: Summarize the overall impact of bone marrow destruction. The destruction of bone marrow affects multiple components of the immune system, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, compromising both innate and adaptive immunity. Additionally, the reduction in hematocrit can lead to anemia-related symptoms, further impacting the patient's overall health.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Bone Marrow Function

Bone marrow is a vital organ responsible for producing blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When bone marrow is damaged, as in the case of neutropenia from chemotherapy, the production of these cells is significantly impaired, leading to a weakened immune response and increased susceptibility to infections.

Hematocrit Levels

Hematocrit is the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. In cases of bone marrow destruction, the production of red blood cells decreases, which typically results in a lower hematocrit level. This decrease can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and weakness due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues.

Immune System Components

The immune system comprises various components, including white blood cells (leukocytes) that are crucial for fighting infections. Bone marrow destruction affects not only neutrophils but also other types of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and monocytes, leading to a compromised immune system and increased risk of infections and other complications.

Watch next

Master Antigens with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct is to make a true statement.

The secondary immune response is mediated by plasma cells.

556

views

Textbook Question

How does a cytotoxic T cell destroy another cell displaying antigens bound to class I MHC proteins?

604

views

Textbook Question

Although the adaptive immune system has two arms, it has been said, 'no T cells, no immunity.' Explain.

775

views

Multiple Choice

Toll-like receptors are found on __________.

1216

views

Textbook Question

Mr. James, an 80-year-old man, is grumbling about having to receive a flu shot every year. Flu viruses have a high mutation rate (undergo rapid genetic changes), which results in the appearance of new proteins on the flu virus's 'coat.' How does this help explain the need to get a flu shot each year?

718

views

Multiple Choice

__________ is the property of lymphocytes that prevents them from attacking the body's own cells.

819

views

Textbook Question

Blocking the antigen receptors on the surface of lymphocytes would interfere with

(a) Phagocytosis of the antigen

(b) That lymphocyte's ability to produce antibodies

(d) The ability of the lymphocyte to present antigen

(e) Opsonization of the antigen