Blood Cells and Functions Quiz

Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues using hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is a protein in RBCs that carries oxygen.

Normal RBCs are biconcave discs, about 7.8 micrometers in diameter and 2.5 micrometers thick, which allows them to deform.

RBCs contain carbonic anhydrase, which catalyzes the conversion of CO2 into bicarbonate ions (HCO3−) to transport CO2 from tissues to lungs.

Hemoglobin in RBCs acts like a buffer to maintain the proper pH of blood.

RBC cell membrane is designed to allow deformation without rupturing the cell.

Average volume of an RBC is 90-95 cubic micrometers.

RBCs are the most abundant cells in blood, crucial for oxygen delivery.

Stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production by increasing proerythroblast formation in bone marrow, and accelerating RBC maturation.

Primarily produced by the kidneys, but in smaller amounts, the liver creates it as well.

Low oxygen levels stimulate erythropoietin production.

Although EPO is formed quickly, it takes a few days for RBCs to increase in circulation.

A powerful system for adjusting RBC production, regulating to maintain the required amounts based on oxygen levels, and in response to large amounts of EPO.

Removal or damage to both kidneys causes anemia due to insufficient erythropoietin production.

The cells that EPO stimulates to produce more red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for the maturation process of red blood cells.

The average number of red blood cells (RBCs) per cubic millimeter in healthy men is 5,200,000 (± 300,000).

The average number of red blood cells (RBCs) per cubic millimeter in healthy women is 4,700,000 (± 300,000).

RBCs can hold up to 34 g of hemoglobin per 100 ml of cells. This is the maximum.

In healthy men, whole blood contains an average of 15 g of hemoglobin per 100 ml.

In healthy women, whole blood contains an average of 14 g of hemoglobin per 100 ml.

The maximum amount of oxygen that can be carried by the hemoglobin in men's blood.

The maximum amount of oxygen that can be carried by the hemoglobin in women's blood.

In the early stages, the yolk sac produces RBCs; later the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes; and finally, bone marrow takes over after birth.

Only 1-3 micrograms of vitamin B12 are needed daily to mature red blood cells (RBCs). The body stores much more (1000 times the daily need).

Takes 3-4 years of inadequate vitamin B12 absorption to cause anemia from maturation failure.

Folic acid is found in fruits, vegetables and meats; easily lost in cooking. Intestinal issues can cause absorption problems.

Hemoglobin begins to form in erythroblasts, continues into reticulocytes, and further in the blood.

Hemoglobin is made of 4 chains (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). Each chain is 16,000 molecular weight. These bind to create the final molecule.

The most common adult hemoglobin; contains two alpha and two beta chains.

A molecule that combines with iron to form the heme part of hemoglobin

Polypeptide chains synthesized by ribosomes, which combine with heme to form hemoglobin chains.

A type of anemia where red blood cells are smaller than normal (microcytic) and have less hemoglobin (hypochromic). It occurs when the body can't absorb enough iron to produce enough hemoglobin.

A serious condition where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough blood cells, leading to a deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Aplastic anemia can be caused by exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, toxic chemicals, or autoimmune disorders.

Anemia characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells (megaloblasts) due to deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Megaloblastic anemia can be caused by conditions affecting vitamin B12 or folic acid absorption, such as pernicious anemia, total gastrectomy, or intestinal sprue.

Anemia characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells.

Hereditary factors or acquired abnormalities in red blood cells can make them fragile and prone to rupture, causing hemolytic anemia.

The spleen plays a significant role in hemolytic anemia because it filters old and damaged red blood cells; increased destruction of fragile red blood cells occurs in the spleen.

A condition where the bone marrow overproduces red blood cells, often accompanied by excess white blood cells and platelets.

The blood in polycythemia vera becomes much thicker due to the excess red blood cells, making it harder for the heart to pump.

Not only are there more red blood cells, but the total blood volume in polycythemia vera also increases, making the blood vessels very full.

The thick, viscous blood in polycythemia can clog small blood vessels (capillaries) due to its increased volume and viscosity.

The increased blood viscosity in polycythemia reduces the rate at which blood returns to the heart through veins.

People with polycythemia vera often have a ruddy complexion with a bluish tint due to the increased blood flow and deoxygenated hemoglobin.

Despite the increased blood volume and viscosity, the heart's output (amount of blood pumped per minute) is close to normal as factors tend to balance each other out.

Blood pressure is typically normal in most people with polycythemia vera, but it can be elevated in some cases due to the increased blood viscosity.