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What is the primary function of plasma proteins related to fluid balance in the body?
What percentage of blood is composed of plasma?
Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for the oncotic pressure in blood?
Which of the following statements about blood's hemostatic function is true?
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What is the normal albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio in healthy adults?
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Which component of blood plays a critical role in the immune response?
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What is the role of plasma proteins during starvation?
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How does a decrease in albumin levels affect tissue fluid balance?
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What is the role of intrinsic factor in relation to Vitamin B12?
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of microcytic hypochromic anemia?
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What characterizes macrocytic (megaloblastic) anemia?
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What is a common symptom of anemia?
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What is the typical lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs)?
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Which trace element is specifically mentioned as important in the content provided?
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How is hemoglobin processed in the body after erythrocyte hemolysis?
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What is a primary cause of hemorrhagic anemia?
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What can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding blood groups?
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Incompatible blood transfusion occurs due to the presence of which component?
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What is the Rh factor associated with?
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What is the universal donor blood group and why?
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Erythroblastosis Fetalis can occur in which scenario?
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Which condition is likely caused by folic acid deficiency?
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What occurs in the maternal circulation when Rh -ve and Rh +ve blood mixes during birth?
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What is the primary purpose of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
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What shape are normal red blood corpuscles, and why is this shape beneficial?
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Which factor plays a significant role in stimulating erythropoiesis?
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In which part of the body do RBCs primarily develop in adults over the age of 20?
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What is the average volume of a red blood cell (RBC) in femtoliters (fL)?
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What is the iron form that is primarily absorbed in the small intestine?
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What is the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) range in grams per deciliter (g/dL)?
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What structural components make up hemoglobin?
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Study Notes
Blood Overview
- Blood is essential for the cardiovascular system, with a volume of approximately 5-5.5 liters in adults.
- Composed of plasma (55%) and cells (45%): including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
Functions of Blood
- Transport: Carries oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), nutrients like glucose.
- Defense: WBCs and antibodies combat pathogens.
- Hemostasis: Platelets and clotting factors manage bleeding.
- Homeostasis: Regulates body temperature and pH levels.
Plasma Composition
- Water: Makes up 90% of plasma.
- Organic Substances: Includes plasma proteins, glucose, and lipids.
- Inorganic Substances: Includes sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-).
- Gases: Contains O2 and CO2.
Plasma Proteins
- Total concentration: 7.2–7.4 g/dL.
- Albumin: 3.5-5 g/dL; most abundant and smallest protein.
- Globulins: 2.5 g/dL; includes α1, α2, β, and γ globulins.
- Formed primarily in the liver, except for γ globulins which are immune antibodies.
- A/G Ratio: Normal range 1.2–1.6; decreases in liver and kidney disease.
Functions of Plasma Proteins
- Osmotic Function: Oncotic pressure (~25 mmHg), mainly due to albumin, prevents excessive fluid loss from capillaries; low levels can lead to edema.
- Transport: Carries vitamins, minerals, and hormones.
- Defense: γ globulins act as antibodies.
- Hemostasis: Involves fibrinogen and prothrombin for clotting.
- Buffering: Maintains blood pH around 7.4.
- Nutritional Reserve: Provides proteins during starvation.
Erythrocytes (RBCs)
- Hematocrit Value: Approximately 45% RBC volume in total blood.
- RBC Count: 5.5 million/mm³ in males, 5 million/mm³ in females.
- Shape & Size: Biconcave disks of about 90 fL volume; enhances gas diffusion and flexibility in capillaries.
- RBCs lack organelles and a nucleus, maximizing hemoglobin capacity.
Hemoglobin (Hb)
- Hb Concentration: 15-16 g/dL in males, 13-14 g/dL in females.
- Structure: Composed of globin (four chains) and heme (containing iron).
- Functions: Transports O2 and CO2; provides buffering capacity for pH.
Blood Indices
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 80-95 fL.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 26-32 pg.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 31-36 g/dL.
Erythropoiesis (RBC Production)
- Sites of Production: Liver and spleen in fetuses; all bones in children; specific bones (skull, sternum, ribs, vertebrae, hip bones) in adults.
- Process: Hemopoietic stem cells mature into reticulocytes before becoming erythrocytes.
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
- Healthy bone marrow and erythropoietin hormone (produced by liver and kidneys in response to hypoxia).
- Nutrients: Iron, Vitamin B12, folic acid, and high biological value proteins are essential for RBC formation.
Lifespan of RBCs
- RBCs survive approximately 120 days; old RBCs are processed in the spleen, recycling nutrients.
Anemia
- Defined as decreased RBC count and Hb leading to inadequate oxygen delivery.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and pallor.
- Classification: Normocytic, microcytic hypochromic, and macrocytic (megaloblastic) anemia based on the size and structure of RBCs.
Polycythemia
- Elevated RBC count and hemoglobin; can be physiological (high altitudes) or pathological (due to lung/heart diseases).
Blood Groups
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ABO System: Blood groups A, B, AB, and O based on the presence of specific antigens and corresponding antibodies.
- Group O: universal donor; Group AB: universal recipient.
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Rh Factor: Rh-positive (85%) means presence of D antigen; Rh-negative (15%) lacks D antigen.
- Importance in erythroblastosis fetalis and blood transfusions.
Clinical Considerations
- Antigen-antibody reactions are critical in blood transfusions to avoid hemolytic responses.
- Cross-matching tests are essential before transfusions to ensure compatibility.
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Description
This quiz explores the vital fluid known as blood, its composition, and its crucial functions within the cardiovascular system. Learn about the components of blood, including plasma and cells, and how blood contributes to transport, defense, hemostasis, and homeostasis.