Reflections
My Immunology class, so far, has been revealing. As a medical student who would like to pursue hematology/oncology, this class has been so informative on different topics on the structure and function of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity.
BASICS
The organs of the immune system are categorized. Primary organs include thymus and bone marrow. Secondary organs include spleen, lymph nodes, and mucosal tissues. Tertiary organs are liver, skin, lungs. First, the thymus produces what are called T cells--two types--CD4(helper t cell) and CD8(cytotoxic t cell). The helper t cells activate both the cytotoxic t cells (which are cells that kill infected target cells) and B cells (cells that secrete antibodies to destroy ingested microbes and are produced in the bone marrow). Second, the spleen is an organ that filters old RBCs & WBCs (macrophages and dendritic cells) are stored there. You may be wondering what happens when a person gets their spleen removed (splenectomy)? Well, I earned that there are other organs that can work as well as the spleen which are the liver and kidneys. These two will take over the role of a spleen.
The diagrams and case studies make me think. It's awesome. Everything I have learned so far are important. One thing that is confusing would be placing each cell in either innate or adaptive or both category. I think a chart of both immunity would be helpful. Ex: Helper t cells are adaptive while NK cells are innate, because I confuse innate cells with adaptive cells.
As a future hematologist, I have been self-studying on various blood related disorders. It involves treating disease that affect blood and its components. But first, I would have to know the components of blood, types of blood, and blood proteins. And, comprehending these cells would truly assist me in diagnosing my patients and finding the best treatment for them. Recently, a friend of mine came down with a cold, presented with fever, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea; and as usual she bought some painkillers for her headache and 'supposedly' for the cold. During lunch, I noticed she took two pills and without any hesitation, I told her that antibiotics does not cure a common cold because a cold is a virus infection and antibiotics are antibacterial medications. I didn't expect her to believe me; and so I researched it and showed it to her then she put it away. As a medical student, it is my job to educate others.
Case Study:
A case study of a 70 year old woman had a CC of lethargy and bronchitis. She had been treated for two months with antibiotics for bronchitis. The patient noted increasing fatigue and a fever with night sweats. P.E showed splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. After evidence of abnormal cells on the bone marrow examination, the patient was sent to a Cancer Institute where staging of this disease was done. Four months from diagnosis, she relapsed with CNS involvement. The spinal fluid showed 100% abnormal mononuclear cells. (www.polconsultant.com).
I would need to know the WBC, hematocrit, Plt, Hgb, & RBC numbers by doing a laboratory examination. I would [of course] place her on chemotherapy. What is the probable diagnosis? Hint:
| WBC 12,600 | Differential: |
| RBC 3.70 | Segs 42% |
| Hgb 11.0 | Lymphs 45% |
| Hct 34.5 | Monos 10% |
| Plt 255,000 | Eoso 3% |
| Lymphocytes appear immature with cleaved nucleus. |
a. Hashimoto's disease
b. Non-Hodgkin's disease
c. Multiple Sclerosis
Happy blogging!
Works Cited
- AG, Donna. "Reflection Perfection: 60 Photos That Show You How It’s Done." Hongkiatcom. Laura Williams, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2016.
- "Case Studies." Hematology. Western Tennessee Healthcare, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2016.
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