Blood Composition and Function Quiz

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Questions and Answers

If a patient's blood sample appears dark red, what is the most likely explanation?

The patient's blood has a lower than normal oxygen level. (correct)
The patient is experiencing hypothermia, causing the blood to darken.
The patient's blood is highly oxygenated due to efficient respiratory function.
The patient has a high concentration of erythrocytes, increasing blood viscosity.

Which statement accurately describes the roles of different components within the cardiovascular system regarding blood transport?

Capillaries directly pump blood throughout the body, maintaining constant pressure.
The heart pumps blood, arteries transport blood away from the heart, and veins transport blood toward the heart. (correct)
Arteries carry blood towards the heart, while veins carry blood away from the heart.
The heart facilitates the exchange between blood and body tissues, while capillaries pump the blood.

How would an increased concentration of solutes in the blood plasma primarily affect the movement of fluids in the body?

It would increase osmosis, causing water to move out of the blood into surrounding tissues.
It would decrease osmosis, causing water to move into the blood from surrounding tissues.
It would increase osmosis, causing water to move into the blood from surrounding tissues. (correct)
It would have no impact on osmosis, maintaining a stable fluid balance.

If a person's blood pH is measured at 7.30, what condition might this indicate and why?

Acidosis, because the blood pH is slightly below the normal range. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of blood is most directly affected by a significant increase in the number of erythrocytes?

Blood viscosity, causing it to become thicker. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining appropriate blood pH crucial for plasma protein integrity?

Significant pH alterations denature plasma proteins, which compromises their structure and function. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does testosterone affect hematocrit levels in adult males, and what physiological mechanism explains this?

Testosterone causes more erythropoietin secretion by the kidney, which stimulates erythropoiesis and increases hematocrit. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a centrifuged blood sample, what component occupies the greatest volume and what is its primary function?

Erythrocytes, which primarily transport oxygen throughout the body. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What cellular characteristics differentiate leukocytes from erythrocytes in a blood smear?

Leukocytes are larger and possess a noticeable nucleus, while erythrocytes are smaller, more numerous, and lack a nucleus. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How would severe dehydration likely affect a person's hematocrit, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Dehydration would increase hematocrit by decreasing plasma volume, which concentrates red blood cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do plasma proteins contribute to maintaining blood volume and blood pressure?

By exerting colloid osmotic pressure, preventing fluid loss from the blood. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely consequence of a liver disease that significantly reduces the production of plasma proteins?

Fluid loss from blood and subsequent tissue swelling (edema). (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do nonpolar molecules require carrier proteins for transport in the blood?

Because nonpolar molecules are repelled by the polar nature of plasma. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most abundant plasma protein and what is its primary function related to blood pressure?

Albumin; maintains colloid osmotic pressure to help maintain blood volume. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of blood being considered a solution in the context of its composition?

It means that blood contains a uniform mixture of dissolved substances which can be easily transported. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a patient's blood test reveals a significantly low level of albumin, which of the following physiological changes would be most expected?

Accumulation of fluid in tissues (edema). (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of substances dictates whether they dissolve directly in blood plasma or require a carrier protein?

Their polarity or charge. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do LDL and HDL contribute to the function of blood plasma?

They act as transport proteins for lipids. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where does hematopoiesis primarily occur in the human body?

Red bone marrow of certain bones (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of formed element production during hematopoiesis?

Osteogenesis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What structural characteristic of erythrocytes enables them to efficiently transport oxygen and carbon dioxide?

Biconcave disc shape (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of hemoglobin within erythrocytes?

To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide (A) Signup and view all the answers

A single hemoglobin molecule can bind a maximum of how many oxygen molecules?

Four (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the hemoglobin molecule directly binds to oxygen?

The iron ion (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of erythropoietin (EPO) in the production of red blood cells?

It stimulates the production of red blood cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does testosterone affect erythropoietin (EPO) production and consequently, erythrocyte count?

Testosterone stimulates EPO production, leading to higher erythrocyte counts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How would an endurance athlete using EPO as a form of blood doping benefit?

Increased oxygen delivery to muscles, improving endurance (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does altitude affect EPO levels in the body?

Altitude increases EPO levels due to decreased oxygen availability. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does a second exposure to Rh+ blood in an Rh- individual result in a transfusion reaction?

Anti-Rh antibodies, formed after the first exposure, recognize and agglutinate the Rh+ erythrocytes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During a blood transfusion, agglutination occurs because:

The recipient's antibodies bind to the transfused erythrocytes, causing them to clump together. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ABO blood types, what determines a person's blood type?

The specific antigens present on the surface of their erythrocytes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical to determine a patient's blood type before performing a blood transfusion?

To prevent agglutination and potential blockage of blood vessels. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a patient with type A blood receives a transfusion of type B blood. What immediate physiological response is most likely to occur?

Agglutination of erythrocytes, potentially leading to blocked blood vessels. (A) Signup and view all the answers

An individual with blood type O is considered a 'universal donor' because:

Their blood lacks A and B antigens, so it won't trigger an immune response in recipients with type A, B, or AB blood. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a mother is Rh- and the fetus is Rh+, under what circumstances might Rh incompatibility pose a risk?

During subsequent pregnancies with Rh+ fetuses, if the mother has been sensitized. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of performing an agglutination test in blood typing?

To determine the presence or absence of specific antigens on erythrocytes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume occupied by erythrocytes.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges

Adult males: 42–56%; Adult females: 38–46%.