Blood Components and Plasma Composition

The primary function of hemoglobin in red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

The hematocrit value represents the percentage of the total blood volume occupied by red blood cells. A higher hematocrit value indicates a higher concentration of red blood cells.

Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell production in the bone marrow. It is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is produced primarily by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the body.

<p>When excess amino acids are present in the body, such as from consuming too much protein, the liver breaks down the excess amino acids and produces urea as a waste product.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The liver receives blood from two sources: the hepatic artery, which brings oxygenated blood from the heart, and the hepatic portal vein, which brings nutrient-rich blood from the intestines and other abdominal organs. This dual blood supply provides the liver with the necessary oxygen and nutrients to carry out its various metabolic functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>After a meal, the concentration of glucose in the blood, particularly in the hepatic portal vein, is initially very high as glucose is absorbed from the intestine. However, the concentration gradually decreases over time as the glucose is taken up by cells or stored in the liver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The liver is responsible for breaking down excess amino acids from dietary protein and converting them into urea, which is then excreted by the kidneys. As a result, blood in the hepatic vein has a higher concentration of urea compared to the blood in other vessels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The different compositions of blood in these vessels reflect the various functions of the liver. The hepatic portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines, the hepatic artery carries oxygenated blood, and the hepatic vein carries blood with metabolic waste products (e.g., urea) from the liver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the body. EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, thereby increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The organic constituents of blood plasma, such as urea, amino acids, glucose, fats, and vitamins, play various roles in metabolism, energy production, and nutrient transport. The inorganic constituents, like chlorides, carbonates, and phosphates of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, are essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and other physiological processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers