Blood Composition Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of blood is made up of plasma, and what are its main components?

Plasma makes up 55% of blood and consists of 90% water and 10% dissolved proteins, salts, foodstuffs, and waste materials.

How do red blood cells maximize their efficiency in oxygen transport?

Red blood cells maximize efficiency by lacking a nucleus and mitochondria, allowing more space for hemoglobin to carry oxygen.

What is the primary role of white blood cells in the immune system?

White blood cells defend the body from attacks by pathogens and contribute to immune responses.

What distinguishes monocytes from other types of white blood cells?

Monocytes are the largest white blood cells, account for about 7% of all white blood cells, and attack and engulf foreign cells through phagocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

What function do antibodies serve in the blood?

Antibodies mark pathogens and infected cells for attack by phagocytic white blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

What role do T Cells play in the immune system?

T Cells are responsible for attacking invaders. Signup and view all the answers

How do B Cells contribute to immune defense?

B Cells produce antibodies that help neutralize pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of platelets in the body?

Platelets play a major role in blood clotting. Signup and view all the answers

What substance do platelets produce to aid in blood clot formation?

Platelets produce fibrin, which forms a network to trap blood cells and create a scab. Signup and view all the answers

How are blood groups determined?

Blood groups are based on the antigens present on the surface of blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with receiving the wrong blood group during a transfusion?

Receiving the wrong blood group can cause a severe allergic reaction that may be fatal. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for blood to be Rhesus positive?

Rhesus positive blood has the Rhesus antigen present on the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a Rhesus negative mother carries a Rhesus positive child?

The mother may produce antibodies against the baby's Rhesus antigens, potentially harming the baby. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population has blood group AB?

Only 3% of the population has blood group AB. Signup and view all the answers

Which blood type is known as the universal donor and why?

Blood type O is known as the universal donor because it has no A or B antigens. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Composition

Plasma constitutes 55% of blood, composed of 90% water and 10% proteins, salts, nutrients, and waste.

Functions of Plasma Proteins

Clotting proteins prevent blood loss and pathogen entry.
Antibodies target pathogens and damaged cells for immune response.
Albumen maintains osmotic balance in the body.

Functions of Dissolved Salts

Essential for maintaining osmotic balance and cellular function.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Most abundant blood cells, produced in the red bone marrow.
Mature RBCs lack a nucleus and mitochondria, enhancing oxygen transport efficiency.
Biconcave shape filled with hemoglobin; lifespan of about 120 days.
RBCs are recycled by the spleen and liver, forming bile pigments.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Produced in bone marrow, their count increases during infections.
Key defenders against pathogens with several types:
- Monocytes: Largest WBC, comprising 7% of white blood cells, engage in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
- Lymphocytes: Make up 20-40% of WBCs, mostly short-lived; include T-cells (attack invaders) and B-cells (produce antibodies).

Platelets

Cellular fragments essential for blood clotting.
Aggregate at wound sites, triggering fibrin production, which forms a clot to prevent blood loss and pathogen entry.

Blood Groups

Blood type is determined by antigens on the cell surface; crucial for safe blood transfusions.
Incorrect blood type transfusion can trigger severe allergic reactions.
Blood Group Distribution:
- O: 55% (neither A nor B antigens, A and B antibodies)
- A: 31% (A antigens, B antibodies)
- B: 11% (B antigens, A antibodies)
- AB: 3% (A and B antigens, no antibodies)

Rhesus Factor

Identified in Rhesus monkeys; indicates the presence (RhD+) or absence (RhD-) of rhesus protein on blood cells.

Importance in Pregnancy

If a Rh- mother carries a Rh+ baby, her body may produce antibodies against the baby's Rh antigens.
This sensitization is usually not harmful in the first pregnancy but can be dangerous in subsequent Rh+ pregnancies.
To prevent complications, Rh- mothers may receive Rh antibodies after their first child.

Mandatory Practical – Dissecting a Sheep's or Ox's Heart

Position the heart for dissection, identifying major blood vessels: aorta, pulmonary artery, vena cava, pulmonary vein.
Cut and examine the left and right ventricles and atria, locating bicuspid and tricuspid valves and their chordae tendinae.
Observe structural differences between left and right ventricles.
Identify the septum and the coronary arteries by pumping air through the aorta.

Mandatory Practical – Investigating Pulse Rate and Exercise

Measure resting pulse at the wrist using two fingers; count beats in 15 seconds and multiply by four for beats per minute.

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Description

Test your knowledge on blood composition, particularly focused on plasma and its components! This quiz covers the functions of plasma proteins and the role of dissolved substances within the blood. Challenge yourself to better understand this critical aspect of human biology.