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Eosinophils are erythrocytes that fight parasitic infection or allergic reaction. True or False?

User Cegfault
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Final answer:

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell and not erythrocytes (red blood cells), and they are involved in fighting parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Their granules contain antihistamines and toxic substances against parasites, and high counts are common in allergies and parasitic infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that "eosinophils are erythrocytes that fight parasitic infection or allergic reaction" is false. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell, specifically granulocytes that are part of the immune system, and they play a role in combating parasitic infections and managing allergic responses. On the other hand, erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells, are primarily responsible for the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body and do not combat infections.

Eosinophils contain granules that stain with eosin. These granules include antihistamine molecules which act against the histamines released during inflammatory and allergic reactions. Additionally, some granules possess toxic substances that are effective against parasitic worms. Eosinophils are also involved in phagocytosis when antibodies form antigen-antibody complexes, and their increase in number is typically associated with allergic conditions as well as parasitic worm infestations.

User Stillenat
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