White Blood Cells & Macrophages Main Bonnie Page A "macrophage"
is NOT one of the types of "white blood cells." But, they derive
FROM a white blood cell and inter-relate often, as described
below. The macrophage is the "eating" cell that engulfs bacteria
(and dead cancer). The Macrophage is derived from one of the
types of white blood cells. Blood is a liquid tissue. Suspended
in the watery plasma are seven types of cells and cell
fragments. Blood performs two major functions: |If one takes a
sample of blood, treats it with an agent to prevent clotting,
and spins it in a centrifuge, The fraction occupied by the red
cells is called the hematocrit. Normally it is approximately
45%. Values much lower than this are a sign of - the red cells
settle to the bottom - the white cells settle on top of them
forming the "buffy coat". - transport through the body of -
oxygen and carbon dioxide - food molecules (glucose, lipids,
amino acids) - ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2+, HCO3−) - wastes (e.g.,
urea) - defense of the body agains