Homeostatic Imbalance: WBC's
LeukocytosisLeukocytosis (G&L: too many) is an imbalance dealing with to many WBC. Usually to be considered leukocytosis the WBC count is above 11,000 cells per microliter. This is usually the sign of a bacterial or even a viral infection.
LeukopeniaLeukopenia (G&L: to few) is the oposite of leukocytosis. Leukopenia is when the WBC count is unusually low. This is typically caused by medications or anti-cancer drugs.
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Leukemia
Leukemia is when the WBC count is above 100,000 cells per microliter. Because there are different types of WBC's there are different types of leukemia. The type of leukemia all depends on what type cell is affected. The most common type of leukemia is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. All leukemia, if left untreated, is deadly.
Thrombus
Figure 4
- Thrombus is when a clot forms in a blood vessel that is unbroken.
- Embolus, is the name for the clot, if it ever breaks off the vessel wall.
- Figure 4 shows an embolus that is in a blood vessel of the brain.
Thrombocytopenia
- Thrombocytopenia is when the number of platelets is low.
- It can cause rupturing of small blood vessels.
- The person with purplish spots called petecae.
- It can usually be cured with a vitamin K supplement.