White+Blood+Cells+-+SM

= Introduction =

Did you know that if you didn’t have white blood cells in your body you would most likely be deceased. White Blood Cells are the guardians of the body, they protect your body from harmful pathogens. Additionally they have special designed cells for special jobs, if you only toc had one cell to do all the work it won’t be able to keep up.

= **Structure of White Blood Cells** =

Do you know the structure of a White Blood Cell? All of White Blood Cells have an arm like tentacles that reaches out to grab parasites, bacteria, and infections, called **pseudopods**. They are temporary extensions of cytoplasm for the destruction of **pathogens**. Like most cells they are **eukaryotic cells** which are cells with nuclei and surrounded by a membrane. When they are “born” from the **Bone Marrow** they have a small **vacuole**, **mitoc** ** hondria **, a ** nucleus ** , and ** cytoplasm **.

= Functions, and Types of White Blood Cells =

Does the ** anticoagulant ** heparin come from the ** Basophil ** ? Well if you answered yes you’re correct. There are many types of White Blood Cells and they all have functions. Here’s some the ** Eosinophil ** detoxifies germs, releases **secretes** that dissolve clots, and fight parasitic infections. Plus the **Neutrophil** it has a **phagocytic function** which engulfs the foreign substance and breaks it down. The **Monocyte** has the same function. Lastly the **Lymphocytes** react to specific immune responses, and when they go through the **Thymus** they turn into **B - Cells**, and **T - Cells**. The function of a B - cell is to present antigen to pathogens. Plus, amazingly White Blood Cells can recruit other White Blood Cells, from the **immune system**. Additionally the cells can release **cytokines** which react with other cells for communication, and can affect the behavior of other cell. These cells have functions in every way to protect your body from pathogens like soldiers protecting our country. For more information on the function of white blood cells go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Ovu2uBYvc



= Diseases that affect White Blood Cells =

Bone Marrow is the soft tissue in your bone cavities, this is where your White Blood Cells, **Red Blood Cells**, and **Platelets.** Some White Blood Cells go through the **Thymus gland** turning into B - cells, or T - Cells. But **Thyroid Cancer**, and **Leukemia** (cancer of the bone marrow) makes it that white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells are lowered in numbers. If you don’t have lots of white blood cells in your body, then even a common cold can be deadly. Nevertheless it can be curable. The problem is that leukemia tends to accumulate in children, while as thyroid cancer tends to happen to older people. **A.I.D.S. standing for Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome** this cancer can destroys bone marrow, when you contract **H.I.V.** you ultimately get A.I.D.S. It makes it so cells cannot mature, and not being produced enough. Once HIV enters the bloodstream. "It infects certain white blood cells, called //T helper cells // and //macrophages. // These cells serve important functions in the immune system." according to world book Online titled A.I.D.S. There is no cure now for it, but there is a medication that slows it down. So that means once you contract it you will die. If you're interested in H.I.V. and A.I.D.S. look at this site http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar008290&st=hiv#tab=homepage = = = Conclusion =

If it wasn't for white blood cells then the primates would have never evolved into present humans today. Even though they only make up 1% of our blood. Ask yourself, would you want to live without white blood cells? If you want to research white blood cells more intently go to http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar601380&st=white+blood+cells#tab=homepage.

= References =

“Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).” Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Children’s Cancer Research Fund, 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016. . Blood Cells Cochran, 1997. Video Segment Discovery Education. Web. 18/2/2016. . Blood Cells Discovery Education, 2002. Video Segment Discovery Education. Web. 18/2/2016. . A Comparison of Red and White Blood Cells Ancient Lights, 1995. Video Segment Discovery Education. Web. 18/2/2016. . “Human Physiology Cell Structure & Function.” Human Physiology. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Feb. 2016. . Structure and Function of White Blood Cells - Leukocytes - Leucocytes. YouTube. N.p., 31 Mar. 2015. Web. 24 Feb. 2016. . “White Blood Cell.” World Book Student. World Book, 22 Feb. 2016. Web. 22 Feb. 2016. . White Blood Cells: Leukocytes Ancient Lights, 1995. Video Segment Discovery Education. Web. 17/2/2016. .

=Glossary=

pseudopods- a temporary extensions of cytoplasm for the destruction of pathogens.

cytoplasm- a substance that is gel like that fills a cell.

pathogens- an organism that causes sickness or disease.

eukaryotic cells- nuclei- the control center of a cell.

membrane- a thin barrier on plant, and animal cells.

bone marrow- soft spongy tissue in the crevasis of your bones.

vacuole- an organelle in a cell that holds food, or waste.

mitochondria- an organelle that functions in energy production.

anticoagulant- a substance that prevents blood from forming clots.

basophil- a white blood cell with two - lobed nuclei.

eosinophil- a type of white blood cell.

phagocytic function- a process that a cell engulfs a pathogen and destroys it.

monocyte- formed from the bone marrow it ingests pathogens.

lymphocytes- a type of white blood cell with a large round nucleus.

thymus- a butterfly shaped gland that is at the base of the neck and produces t - cells.

b - cells- a type of leukocyte that helps destroy pathogens.

antigens- proteins produced from the b - cell to dismantle pathogens.

cytokines- they carry messages from one cell to another.

red blood cells- they carry oxygen to cells throughout the body.

platelets- a cell that clots blood after being injured.

t - cells- produced from the thymus it gets rid of infections in other cells.

thyroid cancer- the cancer of the thymus.

leukemia- cancer of the bone marrow it slows down production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

a.i.d.s.- a cancer that attacks the immune system.