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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of blood in the body?
Where are blood cells primarily formed in the body?
What is the process of making blood cells called?
What are the main types of stem cells involved in blood cell production?
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What could be a consequence of unsafe practices related to handling blood in healthcare settings?
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Which component of blood is responsible for maintaining the stability of the fluid around the body's cells?
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What is the main function of lymphoid stem cells?
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Which protein is responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells?
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What happens to hemoglobin after it releases oxygen molecules?
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Where does the process of erythropoiesis occur?
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What hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels?
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Why do red blood cells lack nuclei and mitochondria?
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What is the approximate lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC) before the body breaks it down?
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Which of the following nutrients is NOT mentioned as necessary for the production of RBCs?
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In sickle cell anemia, what causes the red blood cells (RBCs) to become sticky and form a sickle or crescent shape?
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Which treatment is NOT mentioned for sickle cell anemia in the text?
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What happens to the iron released from the breakdown of hemoglobin inside macrophages?
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What causes red blood cells (RBCs) to become less elastic and worn out over time?
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Study Notes
Blood Characteristics
- Blood is a connective tissue with a liquid part called plasma, which acts as a transport system to move vital substances like oxygen, nutrients, and hormones around the body.
- Blood maintains the stability of interstitial fluid, which is crucial for keeping cells healthy and functioning properly.
- Blood also distributes heat around the body.
- Adult blood volume is approximately 4.5 liters in females and 5-6 liters in males, making up around 8% of body weight.
Blood Cells
- Blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow and are classified into three main types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Hematopoiesis is the process of making blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells, which can self-replicate or differentiate into specific cell types in response to hematopoietic growth factors.
- Lymphoid stem cells produce lymphocytes, while myeloid stem cells give rise to red blood cells, other types of white blood cells, and platelets.
Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)
- Red blood cells have a biconcave disc shape and are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs in the body.
- They contain the protein hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin and releases oxygen to cells for energy.
- Red blood cells lack nuclei and mitochondria, so they cannot divide, but they can produce ATP through glycolysis.
- The normal red blood cell count ranges from 4,700,000 to 6,100,000 in males and 4,200,000 to 5,400,000 in females.
Red Blood Cell Production and Control
- Erythropoiesis is the process of making red blood cells in the red bone marrow, which is stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin released by the kidneys and lungs when the body lacks sufficient red blood cells.
- The production of erythropoietin slows down when the body has enough red blood cells, illustrating a negative feedback mechanism.
- Red blood cells go through different stages of development, from hemocytoblast to erythrocytes, before maturing.
Anemia and Sickle Cell Anemia
- Anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in inadequate oxygen delivery to cells.
- Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition caused by a mutation affecting hemoglobin, leading to abnormal red blood cell shapes that can block narrow blood vessels and reduce oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Treatments for sickle cell anemia include antibiotics, hydroxyurea, bone marrow or umbilical cord stem cell transplants.
Destruction of Red Blood Cells
- Red blood cells have a lifespan of around 120 days before being broken down by the body.
- Old or damaged red blood cells are removed by macrophages in the spleen and liver, and their components are recycled or excreted.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the characteristics and functions of blood, including its composition, role in maintaining stability of interstitial fluid, heat distribution, and volume in adults. Learn about the vital role of plasma in transporting essential substances around the body.
