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Cells of the Immune System: Granulocytes quiz #1

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  • What are the three main types of granulocytes, and what are their primary functions in the immune system?
    The three main types of granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Neutrophils are the most abundant and are the first responders to infection, using phagocytosis and degranulation to destroy pathogens. Eosinophils primarily target parasitic worms and are involved in allergic reactions. Basophils release histamine to promote inflammation and recruit other immune cells.
  • How do neutrophils combat pathogens at sites of infection?
    Neutrophils combat pathogens by migrating to infection sites, performing phagocytosis to ingest and destroy microbes, releasing antimicrobial granules through degranulation, and forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to trap and neutralize microbes.
  • What is the role of eosinophils in the immune response, and what substances do their granules contain?
    Eosinophils protect against parasitic worms by releasing granules containing antimicrobial substances and enzymes that disrupt parasite membranes. They are also involved in allergic reactions.
  • How do basophils contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions?
    Basophils contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions by releasing histamine from their granules, which increases capillary permeability, allowing other immune cells to access infected tissues more easily.
  • What is the difference between basophils and mast cells in terms of location and function?
    Basophils circulate in the blood and release histamine during inflammation, while mast cells are found in tissues and also release histamine in response to allergens or tissue damage. Both promote inflammation and allergic responses.
  • What are the three main types of granulocytes and how are they distinguished under a microscope?
    The three main types are neutrophils (with a 5-lobed nucleus and small, poorly staining granules), eosinophils (with 2-3 lobes and large reddish-orange granules), and basophils (with 2 lobes and large blue-purple granules). They are distinguished by the staining properties and appearance of their granules and nuclei.
  • How do neutrophils respond to infection and what mechanisms do they use to destroy pathogens?
    Neutrophils are the first responders to infection, migrating to the site via the bloodstream. They destroy pathogens through phagocytosis, degranulation (releasing antimicrobial granules), and by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to trap microbes.
  • What is the primary function of eosinophils and what do their granules contain?
    Eosinophils primarily protect against parasitic worms by releasing granules containing antimicrobial substances and enzymes that disrupt parasite membranes. Their granules also play a role in allergic reactions.
  • How do basophils contribute to inflammation and what substance do they release?
    Basophils contribute to inflammation by releasing histamine from their granules, which increases capillary permeability. This allows other immune cells to access infected tissues more easily.
  • What is the main difference between basophils and mast cells in terms of their location and function?
    Basophils circulate in the blood and release histamine during inflammation, while mast cells are found in tissues and also release histamine in response to allergens or tissue damage. Both promote inflammation and allergic responses, but their locations differ.
  • What chemical produced by basophils increases capillary permeability and promotes inflammation?
    Basophils produce and release histamine, which increases capillary permeability and promotes inflammation.
  • Which types of white blood cells are classified as granulocytes in the immune system?
    The three types of white blood cells classified as granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.