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Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary functions of blood?
What is one of the primary functions of blood?
Which of the following is NOT a constituent of blood?
Which of the following is NOT a constituent of blood?
What is the process of blood cell formation called?
What is the process of blood cell formation called?
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
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What is a potential cause of anemia?
What is a potential cause of anemia?
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What is the main function of fibrinogen in blood?
What is the main function of fibrinogen in blood?
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What is the primary function of erythrocytes in blood?
What is the primary function of erythrocytes in blood?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?
Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?
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What is the difference between a hematocrit and a differential white blood cell count?
What is the difference between a hematocrit and a differential white blood cell count?
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Anemia is a condition characterized by:
Anemia is a condition characterized by:
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Which of the following plasma proteins is primarily responsible for generating colloid osmotic pressure?
Which of the following plasma proteins is primarily responsible for generating colloid osmotic pressure?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of plasma?
Which of the following is NOT a component of plasma?
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Which type of white blood cell is involved in the production of antibodies?
Which type of white blood cell is involved in the production of antibodies?
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What role does blood play in regulating the composition of interstitial fluid?
What role does blood play in regulating the composition of interstitial fluid?
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Which of the following defines polycythemia?
Which of the following defines polycythemia?
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What process describes the removal of old red blood cells from circulation?
What process describes the removal of old red blood cells from circulation?
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What occurs during the synthesis of red blood cells?
What occurs during the synthesis of red blood cells?
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Which symptom is commonly associated with anemia?
Which symptom is commonly associated with anemia?
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What percentage of blood volume do normal hematocrit levels represent in males?
What percentage of blood volume do normal hematocrit levels represent in males?
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Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for transporting iron?
Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for transporting iron?
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What is the primary function of albumins in blood plasma?
What is the primary function of albumins in blood plasma?
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Which component of blood is mainly responsible for defending against pathogens?
Which component of blood is mainly responsible for defending against pathogens?
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What condition is characterized by an increased number of red blood cells?
What condition is characterized by an increased number of red blood cells?
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What role does fibrinogen play in the coagulation process?
What role does fibrinogen play in the coagulation process?
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Which blood component contributes mostly to maintaining body temperature?
Which blood component contributes mostly to maintaining body temperature?
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What percentage of blood volume do females typically have as a normal hematocrit level?
What percentage of blood volume do females typically have as a normal hematocrit level?
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Study Notes
Blood and Immune System - Introduction and Red Blood Cells
- Blood Functions: Transports gases, nutrients, hormones, and metabolic wastes. Regulates interstitial fluid composition (pH, ions, water). Restricts fluid loss at injury sites by clotting. Defends against toxins and pathogens. Regulates body temperature by absorbing and redistributing heat.
- Blood Volume: 5 liters in a 70 kg male; 4 liters in a 58 kg female.
- Blood Composition: Plasma (46-63%) and formed elements (37-54%).
- Hematocrit: Percentage of total blood volume occupied by packed (centrifuged) red blood cells. Normal hematocrit: males (40-54%), females (37-47%).
- Plasma Composition: Primarily water (92%), proteins (60% including albumins, globulins, fibrinogen, and transferrin), amino acids, glucose, lipids, trace elements and vitamins, nitrogenous waste, and gases like CO2 and O2. Most plasma proteins are produced by the liver.
- Plasma Protein Functions:
- General: Generate colloid osmotic pressure, buffer pH.
- Specific:
- Albumins: Colloid osmotic pressure, carriers
- Globulins (α and β): Clotting factors, enzymes, carriers
- Globulins (γ): Antibodies
- Fibrinogen: Cleaved to form fibrin in blood clotting
- Transferrin: Iron transport
- Formed Elements: Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
- White Blood Cell Types (differential white count): Lymphocytes (20-40%), Monocytes (2-8%), neutrophils (50-70%), eosinophils (1-4%), basophils (<1%).
- Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells): Contain hemoglobin needed for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. ~5 million RBC/µl of blood. Biconcave shape due to cytoskeleton.
Hematopoiesis
- Origin of Blood Cells: In the embryo: yolk sac, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. After birth: bone marrow. Adults: pelvis, spine, ribs, cranium, and proximal ends of long bones.
- Hematopoiesis Definition: Formation of blood cells.
- Process: Stem cells (pluripotent hematopoietic) differentiate into committed progenitor cells. They further differentiate into mature blood cells.
- Bone Marrow Composition During hematopoiesis in bone marrow, 25% of the cells are developing erythrocytes, and 75% developing leukocytes. Production also involves different cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, such as stromal cells and endothelial cells. Specialized cytokines (signaling proteins) regulate this process.
- Erythropoiesis: Production of red blood cells. Regulated by erythropoietin, a cytokine produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels stimulating hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1α) activating production of erythropoietin.
Red Blood Cells (cont.)
- Hemoglobin Details: ~270 million hemoglobin molecules per RBC. Contains iron atoms and globin proteins (α and β chains). Responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.
- RBC Production and Removal
- Production: Approximately 2-3 million RBCs are produced per second.
- Removal: The average lifespan of an RBC is 120 days. Old or damaged RBCs are removed by macrophages in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Breakdown products (iron and heme) are recycled.
Anemia
- Definition: Reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen due to low numbers of red blood cells or low hemoglobin levels.
- Symptoms: Tired, weak, pale skin, headaches, dizziness.
Anemia Classifications
- Low Production:
- Destruction of stem cells (aplastic anemia).
- Inadequate nutrients (iron, folic acid, Vitamin B12).
- Low erythropoietin production.
- High Removal:
- Hemolytic anemia (genetic defects in RBC proteins, parasitic infections, drugs, autoimmune reactions)
- Hemorrhagic anemia (excessive blood loss).
Polycythemia
- Definition: Characterized by an abnormally high hematocrit (> ~54%).
- Symptoms: High blood viscosity, low oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Causes: Abnormal erythrocyte precursors, low oxygen delivery to tissues, or other factors like high altitude or certain diseases.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of blood functions, volume, and composition, including the role of red blood cells and hematocrit. Learn about plasma composition and the significance of various plasma proteins. Test your understanding of how blood contributes to homeostasis and immune defense.
