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Human Physiology Wk. 9 Discussion Post
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Human Physiology Wk. 9 Discussion Post
Leukocytes and Their Functions
leukocytes are part of the body's immune system. Neutrophils are the most numerous
leukocytes, and they are immediate responders to the site of infection, where they participate in
phagocytosis (Tigner et al., 2022). Lymphocytes include B cells responsible for the production of
antibodies, T cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells. B cells secrete antibodies, and T cell includes
Helper T4 and Cytotoxic T8, while NK cell destroys infected cells and tumour cells. Monocytes
have large, kidney-shaped nuclei; they give rise to both macrophages and dendritic cells involved
in the processes of phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Eosinophils containing bilobed nuclei
and red granules are involved in parasitic infections and allergic responses. The basophils have
blue granules and bilateral nuclei and secrete histamine during an allergic reaction (Tigner et al.,
2022).
Recurrent Infections and Immune Deficiency
Marie Curie's aplastic anemia was characterized by a low leukocyte count, which caused
her to have recurrent infections. Aplastic anemia causes failure of the bone marrow to produce
enough of all the blood cells, including the white blood cells. The decrease in leukocytes affects
the function of both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. She lacked T cells and B cells to
combat pathogens; hence, her immune system was compromised. This left her defenseless
against various infections.
Signs and Symptoms Explained
The symptoms of fatigue, rapid heart rate, and pale skin observed in Curie could be due
to anemia, which often ensues as aplastic anemia. Low levels of red blood cells mean that there
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is less oxygen in the tissues, which leads to fatigue (Giudice & Selleri, 2022). As a way of
compensating for low oxygen levels in the blood, the heart rate rises, resulting in tachycardia.
The pale skin is due to the reduced carrying capacity of hemoglobin in the blood. The easy
bruising and prolonged bleeding from cuts observed in Curie are symptoms of thrombocytopenia
caused by a low platelet count. Headache and dizziness can be attributed to both low blood
pressure and hypoxia.
Blood Group Compatibility
If Marie Curie had A negative blood group, then she could receive blood from A-
negative and O-negative blood group donors. The Rh antigens are absent in A-negative and O-
negative blood types, which makes them safe for her to accept. The incompatible antigens that
are present mean that she is unable to receive blood from groups A positive, B positive, B
negative, AB positive, AB negative, or O positive. The presence of these incompatible antigens,
if she received blood, would result in hemolysis because her body would naturally attack the
transfused blood cells (Rath et al., 2014). This underlines the necessity to match both ABO and
Rh blood group systems to avoid complications during blood transfusions.
References
Giudice, V., & Selleri, C. (2022). Aplastic anemia: Pathophysiology. Seminars in Hematology.
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.12.002
Rath, G. P., Mitra, R., & Mishra, N. (2014). Blood Groups Systems. Indian Journal of
Anaesthesia, 58(5), 524. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5049.144645
Tigner, A., Ibrahim, S. A., & Murray, I. (2022). Histology, White Blood Cell. PubMed;
StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563148/
