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Questions and Answers
What is the primary liquid matrix in which blood cells are suspended?
What is the primary liquid matrix in which blood cells are suspended?
What condition is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells?
What condition is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells?
Which component constitutes the majority of plasma?
Which component constitutes the majority of plasma?
What is the normal range of white blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood?
What is the normal range of white blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood?
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Which component is NOT part of the cellular component of blood?
Which component is NOT part of the cellular component of blood?
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What is the average pH range of blood?
What is the average pH range of blood?
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Which of the following does NOT describe plasma?
Which of the following does NOT describe plasma?
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Which plasma protein is the most abundant?
Which plasma protein is the most abundant?
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What is the primary site of synthesis for most plasma proteins?
What is the primary site of synthesis for most plasma proteins?
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What is the blood temperature in a healthy individual?
What is the blood temperature in a healthy individual?
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How much of whole blood is made up of plasma?
How much of whole blood is made up of plasma?
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Which type of globulins are synthesized by B-lymphocytes?
Which type of globulins are synthesized by B-lymphocytes?
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What is the typical volume of blood in healthy adult females?
What is the typical volume of blood in healthy adult females?
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What is the primary role of fibrinogen in the blood?
What is the primary role of fibrinogen in the blood?
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Which statement about cellular elements in the blood is incorrect?
Which statement about cellular elements in the blood is incorrect?
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Study Notes
Blood Composition and Functions
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Blood is a specialized connective tissue, thick and homogeneous fluid. It has both cellular and liquid components.
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Blood is comprised of living cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in a nonliving fluid matrix called plasma.
Blood Composition
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Cellular Component (40-45%):
- Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): 5 million/mm³. Low numbers indicate anemia, high numbers indicate polycythemia.
- White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): 4000-11000/mm³. Low numbers indicate leukopenia, high numbers indicate leukocytosis.
- Platelets (Thrombocytes): 100,000-400,000/mm³. Low numbers indicate thrombocytopenia, high numbers indicate thrombocytosis.
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Liquid Component (Plasma 55-60%):
- Water (90%)
- Plasma Proteins (7.1%)
- Lipids, hormones, enzymes, nutrients, and waste products (2%)
- Various electrolytes (e.g., Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, Ca2+, PO43-) (0.9%)
Physical Characteristics of Blood
- Sticky, opaque fluid with a metallic taste.
- Color varies from scarlet (oxygen-rich, arteries) to dark red (oxygen-poor, veins).
- Slightly alkaline pH (7.35-7.45).
- Body temperature (38°C or 100.4°F)
Blood Cells
- Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): 4-5 million/mm³
- Platelets (Thrombocytes): 100,000-400,000/mm³
- White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): 4000-11000/mm³ (various types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).
Plasma
- Straw-colored, viscous fluid.
- 90% water, remaining 10% contains solutes (nutrients, respiratory gases, salts, hormones, proteins).
- 55% of whole blood volume.
- Plasma proteins are crucial for various functions.
- Serum: Plasma minus the clotting factors.
Plasma Proteins
- Types: Albumin (3.5-5 g/dL), Globulins (α, β, γ), Fibrinogen, Prothrombin.
- Synthesis: Liver produces most plasma proteins, except gamma globulins from B-lymphocytes and plasma cells.
- Source: Plasma proteins are primarily derived from food, but in starvation, tissue proteins can serve as a secondary source.
Functions of Plasma Proteins
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Hemostasis: Blood clotting (fibrinogen, prothrombin).
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Blood Viscosity: Maintains blood pressure (fibrinogen, globulins).
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Blood Osmotic Pressure: Regulates blood volume and pressure (albumin).
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Defense: Immune function (immunoglobulins).
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Buffering: Regulates pH (various proteins).
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Transports: Hormones, vitamins, minerals (e.g., thyroxine-binding globulin).
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Maintenance of capillary permeability: Prevents edema (various proteins).
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Oxygen and CO2 transport (carbamino compounds) : In certain situations, plasma proteins facilitate carrying gases.
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Nutrition: Provides nutrients in cases of prolonged starvation.
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Description
Test your knowledge about blood's composition and its functions in the human body. Learn about the different types of blood cells and plasma components essential for bodily functions. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of blood as a specialized connective tissue.
