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Topic: Eosinophils

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the body's immune
response against parasitic infections and allergic reactions. They make up a small
percentage of the total white blood cells.

Structure:

• Eosinophils are small, spherical cells with a bi-lobed nucleus and granules in the
cytoplasm.
• The granules contain enzymes and proteins that are involved in fighting parasites
and regulating inflammation.

Function:

• Eosinophils are involved in the body's immune response against parasites, such
as helminths (worms).
• They also play a role in allergic reactions, where they are recruited to sites of
inflammation in response to allergens.
• Eosinophils release toxic substances, such as major basic protein and eosinophil
peroxidase, which can damage and kill parasites and other foreign invaders.

Production:

• Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and are regulated by various
hormones and cytokines.

Life span:

• The life span of eosinophils is relatively short, ranging from a few hours to a few
days.
• Once they have fulfilled their function in the immune response, they usually
undergo programmed cell death and are cleared from the body.

Disorders:

• Eosinophilia is a condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils, which can


occur in response to parasitic infections, allergic reactions, or other conditions.
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare disorder in which there is persistent
eosinophilia and tissue damage, which can affect multiple organs.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic condition that affects the esophagus and is
characterized by high levels of eosinophils in the affected tissues.

In conclusion, eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the body's
immune response against parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Understanding their
structure, function, production, life span, and disorders is important for medical and
physiological purposes.

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