Neutrophils

Definition

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell crucial for the body's defense against infections. They play a key role in the immune response by targeting and destroying bacteria and fungi.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neutrophils are often the first responders to microbial infection, especially bacterial infections.
2. Chemotherapeutic drugs can cause neutropenia, a condition characterized by an abnormally low count of neutrophils.
3. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is used to monitor neutrophil levels in patients undergoing cancer therapy.
4. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is often administered to stimulate the production of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.
5. Neutrophils have a short lifespan of about one to two days in the bloodstream.

Review Questions

• What role do neutrophils play in the body’s immune response?
• How can chemotherapeutic drugs affect neutrophil counts?
• What treatment might be used to increase neutrophil production in cancer patients?

Related terms

Leukocytes: White blood cells involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Neutropenia: A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF): A substance that promotes the growth of white blood cells and is used to treat neutropenia.