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Questions and Answers
Which of the following functions is NOT performed by blood?
Which of the following functions is NOT performed by blood?
What is the primary component of plasma?
What is the primary component of plasma?
Which condition could lead to an increased prothrombin time?
Which condition could lead to an increased prothrombin time?
What is a key function of red blood cells?
What is a key function of red blood cells?
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Which formed element is primarily responsible for clotting?
Which formed element is primarily responsible for clotting?
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What percentage of plasma is composed of dissolved substances?
What percentage of plasma is composed of dissolved substances?
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What is the total blood volume in an average adult?
What is the total blood volume in an average adult?
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Which of the following indicates a possible liver dysfunction?
Which of the following indicates a possible liver dysfunction?
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What is the primary function of blood?
What is the primary function of blood?
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Which component makes up about 55% of your total blood volume?
Which component makes up about 55% of your total blood volume?
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Which type of cell in blood is responsible for oxygen transport?
Which type of cell in blood is responsible for oxygen transport?
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What percentage of the body's total weight does blood make up?
What percentage of the body's total weight does blood make up?
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What are the positively charged cations found in blood plasma called?
What are the positively charged cations found in blood plasma called?
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What is the role of platelets in blood?
What is the role of platelets in blood?
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Which of the following best describes the formed elements in blood?
Which of the following best describes the formed elements in blood?
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Which of the following components is considered the liquid matrix of blood?
Which of the following components is considered the liquid matrix of blood?
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What is the role of prothrombinase in the clotting process?
What is the role of prothrombinase in the clotting process?
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What does a complete blood count (CBC) typically include?
What does a complete blood count (CBC) typically include?
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What is the normal range of red blood cells per microliter (μL) for a male?
What is the normal range of red blood cells per microliter (μL) for a male?
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How is hemoglobin typically measured in blood?
How is hemoglobin typically measured in blood?
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What does the hematocrit measurement indicate?
What does the hematocrit measurement indicate?
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What could an abnormally low hemoglobin measurement indicate?
What could an abnormally low hemoglobin measurement indicate?
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What process allows the determination of hematocrit in a laboratory setting?
What process allows the determination of hematocrit in a laboratory setting?
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Which of the following best describes erythrocytosis?
Which of the following best describes erythrocytosis?
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Study Notes
Blood Functions
- Blood maintains homeostasis through several processes
- Transport of gases, nutrients, and waste products: Oxygen is transported from lungs to cells, and carbon dioxide from cells to lungs. Nutrients and water are also transported and waste products are eliminated via the kidneys.
- Transport of processed molecules: Many substances are produced in one part of the body and travel via the blood to another part for modification, like vitamin D precursors.
- Transport of regulatory molecules: Hormones and enzymes regulate bodily processes throughout the body by transporting them.
- Regulation of pH and osmosis: Buffers maintain blood pH (7.35-7.45). Osmolarity is also regulated for maintaining fluid and ion balance.
- Maintenance of body temperature: Blood circulates throughout the body, transporting heat to maintain a stable internal temperature.
- Protection against foreign substances: Immune cells (WBCs) and chemicals protect against microorganisms and toxins
- Clotting formation: Blood clotting is the first step in tissue repair after damage to blood vessels, preventing blood loss.
Blood Composition
- Blood is classified as a type of connective tissue. It consists of a liquid matrix (plasma) and cells/cell fragments (formed elements).
- Plasma makes up about 55% of the total blood volume and roughly 8% of the total body weight. It consists mainly of water (91%), proteins, and other solutes.
- Formed elements make up approximately 45% of the blood volume. These are red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets.
Formed Elements
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): Biconcave disk shape, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. They make up 45% of total blood volume.
- White blood cells (leukocytes): Spherical and have a nucleus, defend against pathogens; five types with specific functions (granulocytes and agranulocytes).
- Platelets (thrombocytes): Cell fragments involved in preventing blood loss through clotting.
Blood Cell Production (Hemopoiesis)
- Blood cell production, called hematopoiesis, occurs in red bone marrow and lymphatic tissues.
- All formed elements originate from stem cells (hemocytoblasts).
- Specialized growth factors regulate the development and number of formed elements.
Red Blood Cells
- Normal red blood cells are disk-shaped, with thicker edges and thinner center.
- The biconcave shape increases surface area for gas exchange.
- Red blood cells lack a nucleus and most organelles during development.
- Red blood cells live for about 120 days.
- Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for their red color, crucial for oxygen transport.
White Blood Cells
- Classified as granulocytes or agranulocytes, based on their appearance in stained preparations.
- Granulocytes contain large cytoplasmic granules visible under a light microscope. These include Neutrophils, Basophils, and Eosinophils.
- Agranulocytes have small granules that are not easily visible under a light microscope. These include Lymphocytes and Monocytes.
- Each type of white blood cell has a specific function in the body's immune response.
Platelets
- Platelets are minute fragments of cells, lack nuclei and consist of some cytoplasm.
- They are involved in the clotting process.
- Important in maintaining blood vessel integrity due to the formation of platelet plugs.
- Platelet plug formation is a vital component of hemostasis (blood clotting and prevention of blood loss).
Blood Clotting
- A complex process involving many chemical reactions, initiated by vessel damage, regulated by various clotting factors.
- Three main stages are: Activation of clotting factors; conversion of prothrombin to thrombin; and thrombin converting fibrinogen to fibrin.
- The process is regulated by anticoagulants to prevent unwanted clotting.
Blood Grouping
- Blood types are determined by antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
- The ABO blood grouping system has four principal types: A, B, AB, and O, based on the presence of specific antigens.
- Mismatches in blood types during transfusions can lead to serious reactions, requiring careful matching.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- A complete blood count (CBC) assesses several blood components, particularly red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cell count.
- These measurements provide information regarding overall blood health.
Blood Chemistry
- Blood chemistry involves blood plasma composition and the analysis of dissolved/suspended materials, assisting in diagnosing various conditions.
- Measuring levels of certain substances can help diagnose disease states and function levels of the organs.
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