Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primarily composes plasma in blood?
What primarily composes plasma in blood?
Which component of blood is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?
Which component of blood is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?
Which type of white blood cell is considered part of the first line of defense in the inflammatory response?
Which type of white blood cell is considered part of the first line of defense in the inflammatory response?
What is the lifespan of erythrocytes in the bloodstream?
What is the lifespan of erythrocytes in the bloodstream?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of leukocyte is primarily involved in specific immunity?
Which type of leukocyte is primarily involved in specific immunity?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Blood Anatomy
- Blood is a connective tissue (C.T.) and the study of blood is called hematology
- Blood acts as a transportation system, carrying oxygen, vitamins, wastes, and enzymes
- Blood contains formed elements: red blood cells (RBC), platelets, and white blood cells (WBC)
- Blood maintains body temperature
Plasma
- Plasma is the fluid matrix of blood, comprising mainly water (around 90%)
- Plasma also contains nutrients, wastes, and proteins (7-9%)
- Key plasma proteins include:
- Thrombin: Involved in blood clotting
- Fibrinogen: Formed in the liver; crucial for blood clotting
- Albumin: Formed in the liver; maintains blood osmotic pressure
- Globulin: Formed in mast cells; plays a role in immune responses, including antibody production
Formed Elements
-
Erythrocytes (RBC): Account for about 45% of blood volume
- Biconcave disc shape
- Lack nuclei and organelles
- Contain hemoglobin (a protein) which carries oxygen; largely comprises the RBC beside water (~97%)
- Lifespan of about 120 days, then destroyed by the spleen and liver
-
Leukocytes (WBC): 5 types
-
Granulocytes: Contain granules with digestive enzymes or histamine
- Neutrophils: Most common WBC, first responders in inflammation, destroy bacteria via phagocytosis
- Eosinophils: ~ 1%-4% of WBCs; respond to allergies by phagocytizing allergens after they've bound to antibodies
- Basophils: ~ 0.5% of WBCs; exhibit some phagocytic activity
-
Agranulocytes: Lack obvious granules
-
Lymphocytes: ~ 20%-45% of WBCs; crucial for specific immunity
- B-cells: Produce antibodies to target bacteria (originate in bone marrow)
- T-cells: Directly attack foreign cells (originate in bone marrow), no antibody secretion
-
Monocytes: ~ 4%-8% of WBCs; largest WBCs
- Transform into macrophages in connective tissues, perform phagocytosis.
-
Lymphocytes: ~ 20%-45% of WBCs; crucial for specific immunity
-
Granulocytes: Contain granules with digestive enzymes or histamine
-
Platelets: Essential for blood clotting
- Cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes (large cells)
- Form plugs to seal blood vessel tears
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of blood anatomy and the components of plasma in this quiz. You will explore the roles of blood, its formed elements, and important plasma proteins. Ideal for students studying hematology or related fields.
