Lymphocyte

What is the function of the avian lymphocyte?

• Answer:
The function of the lymphocyte is similar to mammals and reflects immune stimulation.

Large lymphocytes

Large lymphocyte may be found in the peripheral blood smear. They are a larger cell with pale staining nuclei, large cytoplasm volume and may be confused with what white blood cell?

•Answer:
Monocyte

Thrombocyte

The avian thrombocyte is the second most numerous cell in the peripheral blood. They are derived from a mononuclear precursor in the bone marrow and considered similar to the mammalian platlet. What is its function?

• Answer:
The primary function is hemostasis. Thrombocytes are also considered to be nonspecific scavengers, capable of removing foreign material including bacteria from the blood.

Heterophil

The avian heterophil is often the most numerous granulocyte in the peripheral blood and functions similar to the mammal neutrophil. What is its function?

• Answer:
The heterophil may become mobilized in just a few hours in response to bacteria, parasitic or viral infections. The heterophil is often considered the first line of defense

Basophil

The basophil is a small round cell with deeply metachromic granules, often obscuring the nucleus. What is its function?

• Answer:
The basophil granules contain histamine and are thought to become active with acute inflammation and type 1-hypersensitivity reactions. Basophils also release mediators for thrombocyte activation.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are similar in size to the heterophils. They have a lobed nucleus with primary round granules.  They also vary in color depending on the species. What is its function?

•Answer:
Although the exact function is not know, these cells may play a role in response to parasitic infections or hypersensitivity reactions.

Which blood cell in the peripheral blood is associated with chronic infections

• Answer: Monocyte is a white blood cell with phagocyte capabilities and becomes active with chronic inflammatory conditions

A peripheral blood smear that has been properly stained and shows a foamy background suggests what metabolic process?

• Answer: Lipemia will show as a foamy background