Blood Composition and Function Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of albumin in the blood?

  • To facilitate blood coagulation
  • To transport hormones
  • To carry oxygen
  • To maintain osmotic pressure (correct)
  • What percentage of blood is made up of white blood cells and platelets?

  • 93%
  • 4% (correct)
  • 55%
  • 41%
  • Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?

  • Transportation of nutrients
  • Support for immune functions
  • Production of hormones (correct)
  • Regulation of body temperature
  • Which major plasma protein is primarily responsible for transporting signaling molecules?

    <p>Globulins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of blood accounts for the majority volume?

    <p>Plasma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of stain is used for identifying the characteristics of blood cells in a smear?

    <p>Giemsa's stain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average volume of blood in an adult human body?

    <p>5 liters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do red blood cells appear in a stained blood smear?

    <p>Pale yellow with darker rims (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lifespan of neutrophils?

    <p>1-4 days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of granules in neutrophils is more abundant?

    <p>Specific granules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of eosinophils?

    <p>Destruction of parasitic infections (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of nucleus do eosinophils possess?

    <p>Bilobed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about basophils is correct?

    <p>They have a long lifespan of 1-2 months. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the appearance of neutrophil granules under an electron microscope (E/M)?

    <p>They are granular and vary in size. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of dye is used to stain eosinophil granules?

    <p>Eosin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage do neutrophils have in anaerobic environments?

    <p>Survival and function without oxygen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key structural feature of red blood cells that increases their efficiency in oxygen absorption?

    <p>Biconcave disk shape (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin?

    <p>Anemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of anemia is caused by insufficient iron intake?

    <p>Iron deficiency anemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal range of leukocytes in human blood?

    <p>4,000 – 11,000/mm³ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which blood component is primarily involved in the transportation of oxygen?

    <p>Hemoglobin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural characteristic allows red blood cells to pass through the narrowest blood capillaries?

    <p>Flexible cytoskeleton (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sickle cell anemia results from a disorder in which specific chain of hemoglobin?

    <p>Beta-globin chain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Granulocytes possess certain types of granules that give them their name. What are these granules primarily involved in?

    <p>Immune response (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of basophils' specific granules?

    <p>They contain heparin and histamine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to basophils when they are stained with toluidine blue?

    <p>They show metachromasia, appearing red. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes monocytes?

    <p>They have a large, often kidney-shaped nucleus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical lifespan of a monocyte?

    <p>Hours to years. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of basophils?

    <p>Phagocytosis of pathogens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes agranulocytes from granulocytes?

    <p>Agranulocytes contain azurophilic granules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is true regarding lymphocytes?

    <p>They have a spherical nucleus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the chromatin of monocytes contrast with that of lymphocytes?

    <p>It is less condensed than that in lymphocytes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes neutropenia?

    <p>An abnormal decrease in neutrophil numbers in peripheral blood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is primarily responsible for the formation of pus during inflammation?

    <p>Massed neutrophils and dead bacteria. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of eosinophils in immune response?

    <p>Attacking parasitic worms and participating in allergic reactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme released by eosinophils is responsible for breaking down histamine?

    <p>Histaminase. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about basophils is accurate?

    <p>Basophils possess IgE receptors and have several months lifespan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant function of eosinophils during an allergic reaction?

    <p>Destroying histamine and slowing down inflammation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following features is typically associated with eosinophils?

    <p>They possess a bilobed nucleus with irregular shape. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process do eosinophils utilize to attack parasitic worms?

    <p>Releasing toxic molecules and forming pores in the worm's surface. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is contained within alpha granules?

    <p>Fibrinogen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Delta granules in platelets?

    <p>Release of calcium ions and ADP (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process describes the formation of a platelet plug after a vascular injury?

    <p>Primary aggregation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the clot retraction process?

    <p>Interaction of platelet actin, myosin, and ATP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the clot removed from the bloodstream?

    <p>By plasminogen activation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is characterized by reduced platelet numbers and spontaneous small vessel bleeding?

    <p>Thrombocytopenia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary defect in Von Willebrand disease?

    <p>Defect in von Willebrand factor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug interferes with platelet function by inhibiting thromboxane production?

    <p>Aspirin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?

    <p>100-120 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component accounts for approximately 95% of the dry weight of a red blood cell?

    <p>Hemoglobin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of hemoglobin is primarily found in adults?

    <p>Hemoglobin A (Hb A) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key structural feature of red blood cells that enhances their gas transportation efficiency?

    <p>Biconcave shape (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pigment, attached to hemoglobin, is crucial for oxygen binding?

    <p>Heme (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is primarily responsible for the flexibility of red blood cells?

    <p>Cytoskeleton (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many oxygen molecules can a single hemoglobin molecule transport?

    <p>4 molecules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the diameter of a red blood cell?

    <p>7.5 µm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary function of basophils?

    <p>Release of anticoagulants (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the shape of monocyte nuclei commonly likened to?

    <p>Horseshoe or kidney-shaped (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which granule is NOT found in basophils?

    <p>Myeloperoxidase granules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lifespan range of monocytes?

    <p>Hours to years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is metachromasia in the context of basophils?

    <p>Color change in granules when stained (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate percentage of monocytes in the circulating leukocyte population?

    <p>2-8% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which function is associated with the release of eosinophilic chemotactic factor by basophils?

    <p>Attracting eosinophils to inflammation sites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the appearance of neutrophil specific granules under a light microscope?

    <p>Faint/light pink granules (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary role of eosinophils in the immune response?

    <p>Attack parasitic worms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of granules in neutrophils contain hydrolytic enzymes?

    <p>Azurophilic granules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long do neutrophils typically live in the connective tissue?

    <p>1-4 days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Neutrophils are the first leukocytes to arrive at which type of sites?

    <p>Sites of bacterial infection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of dyes can be used to stain eosinophil granules?

    <p>Acidic dyes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of circulating small lymphocytes do B-lymphocytes constitute?

    <p>15% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of macrophages derived from monocytes?

    <p>Phagocytosing tissue debris and bacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the transformation of B-lymphocytes into plasma cells?

    <p>Antigen stimulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of small lymphocytes primarily contributes to humoral immunity?

    <p>B-Lymphocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What size range are medium-sized lymphocytes typically classified as?

    <p>12 µm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What features are prominently observed in the cytoplasm of a monocyte?

    <p>Many microvilli and pinocytotic vesicles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key factor stimulates monocytes to perform their functions?

    <p>Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of multinuclear giant cells formed from macrophages?

    <p>They indicate a pathological condition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of red blood cells allows them to contain more hemoglobin?

    <p>Absence of organelles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of anemia is primarily caused by blood loss?

    <p>Hemorrhagic Anemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does nitric oxide (NO) play in the circulatory system?

    <p>Promotes dilatation of blood vessels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is associated with an increased number of red blood cells?

    <p>Polycythemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of white blood cell is characterized by polymorphic nuclei?

    <p>Granulocytes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is related to a deficiency in hemoglobin synthesis?

    <p>Sickle Cell Anemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement is NOT typically included in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

    <p>Blood glucose level (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do delta granules in platelets primarily contain?

    <p>Calcium ions, ADP, ATP, and serotonin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is essential for the initial platelet aggregation at a site of vascular injury?

    <p>Collagen-binding protein (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the clot retraction process in a formed clot?

    <p>Interaction of platelet actin, myosin, and ATP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of thrombocytopenia?

    <p>Nosebleeds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of alpha granules in platelets?

    <p>Contain adhesion proteins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of plasmin in the context of clot removal?

    <p>It breaks down fibrin in clots (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions results from defects in von Willebrand factor?

    <p>Von Willebrand disease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism do drugs like aspirin utilize to impair platelet function?

    <p>Inhibiting thromboxane production by blocking cyclooxygenase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Blood Composition

    Blood is made up of plasma (55%), red blood cells (41%), and white blood cells/platelets (4%).

    Plasma Function

    Plasma transports nutrients, wastes, hormones, and gases; maintains blood pressure and pH.

    Major Plasma Protein

    Albumin, a protein made in the liver, helps maintain blood pressure.

    Blood Cell Staining

    Blood smears are stained with dyes like Giemsa's to see different blood cell types clearly under a microscope.

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    Erythrocyte Appearance

    Red blood cells (RBCs) appear yellow/pale red with a darker rim in stained blood smears.

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    Giemsa's Stain Components

    Methylene blue in Giemsa's stain, stains DNA and RNA, appearing blue-grey/violet.

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    Blood Function

    Blood transports essential substances, removes waste, regulates temperature and pH.

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    Blood Type

    Blood can be classified into various types based on specific antigens present on the surface of the red blood cells.

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    Biconcave RBC shape

    The disc-like shape of red blood cells with a depressed center on both sides, maximizing surface area for efficient gas exchange.

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    Thin RBC membrane

    The outer membrane of red blood cells is thin, allowing easy diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

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    RBC cytoskeleton

    The internal framework of red blood cells, giving them flexibility to squeeze through narrow blood vessels.

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    Why RBCs lack a nucleus

    Red blood cells lack a nucleus and organelles to maximize space for hemoglobin, which carries oxygen.

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    RBCs: Selective permeability

    Red blood cells allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through their membrane easily while restricting other substances.

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    What does RBCs carry besides oxygen?

    Red blood cells also carry nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that dilates blood vessels.

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    What is a CBC?

    Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test that measures various components like red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

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    Anemia: Low RBCs

    Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells and/or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen carrying capacity.

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    Granulocytes

    A type of white blood cell with granules in their cytoplasm. They are involved in immune responses, primarily against bacteria and parasites.

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    Neutrophil Characteristics

    Neutrophils, a type of granulocyte, have a multilobed nucleus, small specific granules, and few mitochondria. They are the most abundant white blood cell.

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    Eosinophil Characteristics

    Eosinophils are granulocytes with bilobed nuclei and specific granules that stain red due to acidic dyes.

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    Basophil Characteristics

    Basophils are granulocytes with an S-shaped nucleus and specific granules that stain dark blue or purple due to basic dyes.

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    Neutrophil Granule Types

    Neutrophils have two types of granules: specific granules (smaller, pale, contain enzymes for killing bacteria) and azurophilic granules (larger, dense, contain lysosomal enzymes).

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    Neutrophil Function

    Neutrophils are the first responders to infection. They phagocytose bacteria and secrete enzymes to kill them. They can also survive in low-oxygen environments.

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    Neutrophil Activity

    Neutrophils are inactive and spherical in circulation, but become amoeboid and active when adhering to collagen in connective tissue.

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    Neutrophil Glycogen

    Neutrophils store glycogen, which they break down to glucose for energy, allowing them to function in low-oxygen environments.

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    Neutropenia

    A condition where there are too few neutrophils in the blood, making the body vulnerable to bacterial infections.

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    Pus Cells

    A collection of dead neutrophils, bacteria, and inflammatory debris found at the site of infection.

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    Eosinophil Granules

    Eosinophils contain two types of granules: Specific granules with major basic protein for killing parasites, and Azurophilic granules with lysosomal enzymes.

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    Eosinophil Function: Anti-Allergic

    Eosinophils release histaminase and sulphatase to neutralize histamine and other chemicals released during allergic reactions.

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    Eosinophil Function: Anti-Parasitic

    Eosinophils attack parasitic worms by forming pores on their surface and releasing toxic molecules.

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    Macrophage Attraction

    Macrophage chemotactic factor attracts macrophages to the site of inflammation.

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    Monocyte Attraction

    Monocytes are attracted to the site of infection, where they mature into macrophages.

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    Basophil Granules

    Basophils contain two types of granules: specific granules (large, irregular, contain heparin, histamine, etc.) and azurophilic granules (lysosomes with hydrolytic enzymes).

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    Basophil Function

    Basophils release histamine (allergic reaction), heparin (anticoagulant), and eosinophil chemotactic factor (attracts eosinophils). They also have limited phagocytic ability.

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    Basophilia

    High basophil counts in blood suggest an allergic reaction or other hypersensitivity. IgE antibodies bind to basophils and mast cells, triggering these responses.

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    Agranulocyte Characteristics

    Agranulocytes lack specific granules but contain azurophilic granules (lysosomes). Includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

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    Monocyte Appearance

    Monocytes are large agranulocytes with a large, indented nucleus (horseshoe or kidney-shaped). Their cytoplasm is basophilic and contains fine azurophilic granules.

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    Monocyte Function

    Monocytes are phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens and cellular debris. They differentiate into macrophages in tissues.

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    Lymphocyte Appearance

    Lymphocytes have a round or slightly indented nucleus and a small amount of cytoplasm, often with a few azurophilic granules.

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    Lymphocyte Function

    Lymphocytes are responsible for specific immune responses, recognizing and targeting specific pathogens. They differentiate into T cells and B cells.

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    What are Alpha granules?

    Alpha granules are a type of granule found in platelets. They contain fibrinogen and platelet-derived growth factor.

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    What are Delta granules?

    Delta granules, also known as dense bodies, are another type of granule found in platelets. They store calcium ions, ADP, ATP, and serotonin.

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    What are Lambda granules?

    Lambda granules, also referred to as small vesicles, are the third type of granule found in platelets, containing only lysosomal enzymes.

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    What is primary aggregation?

    Primary aggregation is the initial response of platelets to an injury where they adhere to exposed collagen via a collagen-binding protein on their membrane, forming a platelet plug.

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    What is secondary aggregation?

    Secondary aggregation follows primary aggregation, involving adhesive glycoproteins and ADP released from platelets in the plug to further enhance platelet adhesion and enlarge the plug.

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    How does a blood clot form?

    A blood clot forms through a complex cascade of reactions involving proteins from the blood plasma, damaged blood vessels, and platelets. This process results in fibrin formation, which traps red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to form a blood clot.

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    What is clot retraction?

    Clot retraction is the process where the blood clot contracts due to the interaction of platelet actin, myosin, and ATP, essentially tightening the clot.

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    How is a blood clot removed?

    A blood clot can be removed through the action of a proteolytic enzyme called plasmin. Plasmin is activated by plasminogen activators released from the endothelium, and also by enzymes from alpha granules.

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    What stains hemoglobin?

    Eosin, also known as esinophilic, is a dye that stains hemoglobin, giving it an orange-red color. This helps visualize red blood cells clearly.

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    Azurophilic staining

    Azurophilic staining uses dyes to highlight lysosomal enzymes. These enzymes are important for breaking down cellular waste within cells.

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    RBC shape

    Red blood cells (RBCs) are biconcave disks, meaning they are disc-shaped with a depression on both sides. This shape increases their surface area, maximizing oxygen transport.

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    RBC cytoplasm

    The majority of the RBC's cytoplasm is filled with hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

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    Rouleaux formation

    In small blood vessels, red blood cells often stack up in coin-like formations, like a stack of paper. This is called rouleaux formation.

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    RBC membrane structure

    The RBC membrane is a lipid bilayer, formed by proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This membrane acts as a barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell.

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    Hemoglobin structure

    Hemoglobin is a protein, containing four polypeptide chains (two alpha and two beta for adults, or two alpha and two gamma for fetuses) and a heme group.

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    Hemoglobin function

    Hemoglobin is a metalloprotein mainly responsible for carrying oxygen and some carbon dioxide in the blood.

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    Neutrophils

    Abundant granulocytes with a multilobed nucleus, possessing small specific granules and a few mitochondria. They are the first responders to infections, phagocytizing bacteria and releasing enzymes to kill them.

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    Eosinophils

    Granulocytes with bilobed nuclei and specific granules that stain red due to acidic dyes. Primarily involved in anti-allergic and anti-parasitic responses.

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    What makes neutrophils effective in low-oxygen environments?

    Neutrophils store glycogen, which they break down into glucose for energy, enabling them to effectively fight infections even in poorly oxygenated regions.

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    Macrophages

    Mature monocytes that engulf pathogens, cellular debris, and fight infections. They are known as 'big eaters' for their phagocytic abilities.

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    Biconcave disk

    Red blood cells (RBCs) have a biconcave shape, resembling a flattened disc with a depressed center on both sides. This shape increases surface area for efficient gas exchange.

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    Thin outer membrane

    RBCs have a thin outer membrane, allowing for easy diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the membrane.

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    Cytoskeleton & membrane structure

    The RBC cytoskeleton and flexible membrane allow RBCs to squeeze through narrow blood capillaries, reaching even the smallest blood vessels.

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    Absence of nucleus & organelles

    RBCs lack a nucleus and other organelles, maximizing space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport.

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    Selective permeability to O2 and CO2

    RBCs are selectively permeable, allowing oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through easily while preventing other substances from entering.

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    Carrying of NO

    RBCs also carry nitric oxide (NO), a neurotransmitter that causes blood vessel dilation. This contributes to blood flow regulation.

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    Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    A blood test used for diagnosing and managing various conditions, measuring components like RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

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    Anemia

    A condition characterized by a deficiency in RBCs and/or hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.

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    Macrophage's role

    Macrophages are cells that protect against infections by engulfing harmful microbes and cellular debris.

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    Macrophage formation

    Macrophages develop from monocytes, which are produced in the bone marrow.

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    Macrophage activation

    Macrophages are activated by signals like growth factors and cytokines.

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    Multinuclear giant cells

    These cells form when macrophages fuse together, usually in response to disease or injury.

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    Lymphocyte types

    Lymphocytes are categorized by surface molecules and function, with distinct roles in immune responses.

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    B-lymphocytes

    B-lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity, producing antibodies to fight infections.

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    Plasma cell function

    Plasma cells are specialized B-lymphocytes that produce and release antibodies.

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    T-lymphocytes

    T-lymphocytes are involved in cell-mediated immunity, directly attacking infected cells and regulating immune responses.

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    Platelet Granules

    Platelets contain three types of granules: alpha granules, delta granules (dense bodies), and lambda granules. Each type stores different substances essential for platelet function.

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    Primary Aggregation

    Primary aggregation is the initial sticking of platelets to exposed collagen at the site of injury. This forms a temporary plug to stop bleeding, forming a 'platelet plug.'

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    Secondary Aggregation

    Secondary aggregation expands the platelet plug. Platelets in the plug release adhesive substances like glycoproteins and ADP, attracting more platelets to the site.

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    Blood Coagulation

    Blood coagulation involves a complex series of reactions involving plasma factors, damaged blood vessels and platelets. Ultimately, it leads to the formation of fibrin, which forms a network trapping blood cells to form a strong clot.

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    Clot Retraction

    Clot retraction is the squeezing and tightening of a blood clot. This happens due to the interaction of platelet actin, myosin, and ATP, making the clot more compact.

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    Megakaryocyte Appearance (LM)

    Megakaryocytes are giant cells found in bone marrow with a large, lobulated nucleus containing multiple copies of DNA. Their cytoplasm is basophilic and contains many granules (alpha, delta, and lambda).

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    Megakaryocyte Function

    Megakaryocytes are responsible for producing platelets. They extend their processes into the bloodstream, releasing platelets into circulation.

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    Thrombocytopenia

    Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a lower than normal platelet count in the blood. This leads to spontaneous bleeding, often seen as small red dots on the skin (petechiae), especially in the gut.

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    Basophil: What makes them unique?

    Basophils are granulocytes with an S-shaped nucleus and large, dark blue granules containing heparin, histamine, and eosinophil chemotactic factor. These granules stain red with toluidine blue due to their heparin content, a phenomenon called metachromasia.

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    Basophil Function: What do they do?

    Basophils release histamine to trigger allergic reactions, heparin to prevent blood clotting, and eosinophil chemotactic factor to attract eosinophils to fight parasites. They also have limited phagocytic ability.

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    Agranulocytes: What are they?

    Agranulocytes are white blood cells that lack specific granules but contain azurophilic granules (lysosomes). This group includes lymphocytes and monocytes, which play important roles in specific immune responses.

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    Monocyte Appearance: How do they look?

    Monocytes are large agranulocytes with a large, indented nucleus often shaped like a horseshoe or kidney. Their cytoplasm is basophilic and contains fine azurophilic granules.

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    Monocyte Function: What's their role?

    Monocytes are phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens and cellular debris in the blood. They differentiate into macrophages in tissues, becoming powerful 'big eaters' of foreign invaders.

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    Lymphocytes: What are they?

    Lymphocytes are agranulocytes with a round or slightly indented nucleus and a small amount of cytoplasm, often containing a few azurophilic granules. There are two main types: T cells and B cells.

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    T Lymphocytes: What do they do?

    T lymphocytes (T cells) are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They directly attack infected cells and regulate immune responses, playing a key role in controlling intracellular pathogens.

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    B Lymphocytes: What do they do?

    B lymphocytes (B cells) are responsible for humoral immunity. They produce antibodies to fight infections in the body fluids. They mature into plasma cells, which are antibody factories.

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    Study Notes

    Intended Learning Objectives (ILOs)

    • Define blood
    • List major plasma proteins and formed elements
    • Describe RBC morphology and structure
    • Describe hemoglobin structure
    • Classify white blood cells (WBCs) generally
    • Describe different WBC types' morphology and structure
    • Describe platelets' origin, morphology, and structure
    • Detail life span and fate of blood cells
    • List main blood cell functions

    Blood Composition

    • Blood is a specialized connective tissue with cells and fluid plasma.
    • Plasma (55%): mostly water, also contains plasma proteins, nutrients, respiratory gases, waste products, hormones, and electrolytes.
    • White blood cells and platelets (4%): crucial for immune function and clotting.
    • Red blood cells (41%): carry oxygen and carbon dioxide.

    Blood Functions

    • Transports nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract to cells and carries waste products for elimination.
    • Carries hormones, electrolytes, and signaling molecules.
    • Carries oxygen (bound to hemoglobin) and carbon dioxide.
    • Regulates body temperature and maintains osmotic and acid-base balance.
    • Provides a pathway for WBC migration between tissues.
    • Facilitates coagulation (clotting), mediated by platelets.

    Plasma

    • Plasma is an aqueous solution with a pH of 7.4.
    • Primarily composed of 93% water and 7% low and high molecular weight substances.
    • Major plasma proteins include albumin (maintains osmotic pressure), and globulins (produced by the liver and other cells).
    • Staining techniques (Giemsa, Wright, Leishman) are used to examine blood components.

    Blood Cell Staining

    • Blood smears are prepared by spreading a thin layer of blood on a slide.
    • Erythrocytes appear yellow or pale red in color, with their rims appearing darker than the center.
    • Stains, like Giemsa's, stain DNA and RNA blue-grey/violet, hemoglobin orange-red, and lysosomal enzymes red-purple.

    Blood Cell Types

    • White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Larger, colorless cells essential for immune defense. Classified into granulocytes (with granules) and agranulocytes (without granules).
      • Granulocytes: Neutrophils (phagocytic, most common), eosinophils (allergic reactions), basophils (inflammatory reaction).
        • Granulocytes have distinctive nuclei with multiple lobes.
        • Features like Golgi complexes, rough ER (poorly developed), and few mitochondria.
        • Subdivided into 3 types.
      • Agranulocytes: Lymphocytes (immune response, most common type) and monocytes (phagocytic).
        • No granules.
        • Nucleus is smooth or indented (not lobulated).

    Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs)

    • Average count: Males (4.1-6 million/µL), Females (3.9-5.5 million/µL)
    • Life span: 100-120 days
    • Hemoglobin is the primary protein, carrying 97% oxygen and 7-10% CO2 (oxyhemoglobin/carbamoglobin).

    RBC Membrane

    • Typical lipid bilayer with proteins (glycophorin—most abundant, ion channels, transport proteins).
    • Supported by a cytoskeleton (actin and spectrin) for flexibility.

    Hemoglobin Structure

    • Oxygen-carrying protein.
    • Tetramer (2 alpha and 2 beta chains, each with a heme group).
    • Heme group contains iron, allowing oxygen binding.

    Blood Grouping

    • Cell surface carbohydrates determine blood types (A, B, AB, O).
    • Rh antigen is also important (positive or negative).

    Function of RBCs

    • Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body.

    Erythrocytes adapting for function

    • Biconcave Shape: increases surface area for efficient gas exchange.
    • Thin membrane: allows for rapid gas diffusion.
    • Lack of nucleus and organelles: maximizes space for hemoglobin.
    • Cytoskeleton and Membrane Structure: permits the passage through the narrowest blood capillaries

    Clinical Point

    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): measures different blood components.
    • Anemia (low RBC count/hemoglobin): results from blood loss, deficiency, or destruction.
    • Polycythemia (high RBC count): a condition with increased RBCs.
    • Sickle cell anemia: affects RBC shape and function due to hemoglobin abnormalities.

    Platelets

    • Normal count: 150,000-400,000/µL of blood
    • Life span: 7-9 days
    • Formed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.
    • Function in blood clotting /hemostasis.
      • Activation of platelets to stop bleeding.
      • Essential role in coagulation /thrombus formation

    Megakaryocytes

    • Large cells in bone marrow.
    • Generate platelets by releasing proplatelets.

    Clinical Notes

    • Thrombocytopenia: reduced platelet count, associated with bleeding.
    • Von Willebrand Disease: a hereditary disorder affecting blood clotting due to defective von Willebrand factor (vWF)

    Leukocytes

    • White blood cells.
    • Involved in immune response.
    • Classified as granulocytes or agranulocytes.

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    Description

    This quiz focuses on the essential components and functions of blood. It covers the types of blood cells, their structures, and the roles they play in the body. Perfect for those studying the circulatory system in biology.

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