Blood Functions and Pressure Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a direct consequence of a decrease in osmotic pressure in blood vessels?

Increased blood pressure

Fluid accumulation in tissues (correct)

Decreased blood volume

Increased protein synthesis in the liver

What is the primary factor responsible for the decrease in osmotic pressure in blood vessels?

Increased blood viscosity

Reduced blood flow rate

Loss of water from the bloodstream

Loss of proteins from the bloodstream (correct)

What is the condition called when fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity due to decreased osmotic pressure in blood vessels?

Hydrocephalus

Pleural Effusion

Edema

Ascites (correct)

How does blood protein loss affect the ability of the blood to regulate bodily fluid volume?

It reduces the blood's ability to draw fluid from tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between blood volume and fluid volume in the body?

Blood volume is a major contributor to total bodily fluid volume. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between plasma and serum?

Plasma contains fibrinogen, while serum does not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of fibrinogen?

Fibrinogen forms a mesh-like structure that helps trap blood cells and platelets, leading to clot formation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about blood clotting is TRUE?

Blood clotting is a process that involves the activation of a series of enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of serum in the blood clotting process?

Serum is not involved in the blood clotting process. Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that serum contains "clotting factors": what does this phrase mean?

These are proteins that help to speed up the blood clotting process. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of proteins related to ions in the body?

Proteins confine ions to specific areas where they are needed. Signup and view all the answers

Why are some ions considered harmful in the body?

They can disrupt cellular respiration when not confined. Signup and view all the answers

How do proteins protect the body from harmful elements?

By binding to ions and preventing their movement. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if protective proteins did not confine the ions effectively?

Cells could suffer damage due to ion imbalance. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the relationship between proteins and ions?

Some proteins limit the movement of needed ions to specific areas. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total blood volume is made up of plasma?

55% Signup and view all the answers

Which components account for less than 1% of total blood volume?

White Blood Cells and Platelets Signup and view all the answers

When considering the total percentage volume of blood cells, how are White Blood Cells and Platelets typically categorized?

They are normally included in the 45% of blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the remaining percentage of blood volume after accounting for plasma?

Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelets combined Signup and view all the answers

What is the total blood cell volume if plasma makes up 55% of the total blood volume?

45% Signup and view all the answers

Why is iron bound to a transporter protein in the blood?

Because iron is very reactive and can be harmful free. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of centrifugation when processing a blood sample?

To separate blood components based on their density. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the components of blood when centrifuged?

They separate according to their density. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a result of blood centrifugation?

Isolation of various cellular and liquid components. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of iron makes it necessary to be bound in the blood?

It exhibits high reactivity and can cause damage when free. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a finger stick?

To collect blood for analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate description of the primary difference between a venipuncture and a finger stick?

Venipuncture is used for drawing larger blood samples, while finger stick is used for smaller samples. Signup and view all the answers

Why is an arteriole stick performed?

To measure gas levels in arterial blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of blood within the body?

Connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for performing a venipuncture?

To collect blood for testing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Functions

Blood transports elements like oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), nutrients, waste products, and hormones.
Blood regulates pH levels, temperature, and blood pressure. Buffers (like CO2 and bicarbonate) are crucial for pH balance, along with lungs, kidneys, and blood.
Blood vessels dilate (expand) when body temperature is high to release heat, and constrict (shrink) when temperature drops to conserve heat.

Blood Pressure

Blood volume directly affects blood pressure (BP). Higher volume means higher BP, and vice versa.
Low blood pressure is harmful because it reduces the driving force to vital organs.
High blood pressure damages blood vessels (leading to ruptures and thrombosis) and strains the heart.

Osmotic Pressure

Blood proteins create osmotic pressure, crucial for fluid balance in different compartments.
Imbalances lead to fluid shifts and volume changes, potentially causing diseases like ascites (abdomen swelling) and edema (swelling in tissues.).
Protein loss in blood lowers osmotic pressure, reducing fluid reabsorption from tissues.

Blood Composition

Blood separates into layers during centrifugation:
- Dense red layer (red blood cells).
- Buffy coat layer (white blood cells and platelets).
- Clear yellowish fluid (plasma).
- If coagulation occurs beforehand, the top layer(plasma) is called serum.
Red blood cells (RBCs) comprise about 45% of whole blood volume/weight.
Plasma, the liquid component, is around 55% of whole blood.
Plasma consists mainly of water and dissolved substances, including proteins (like albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen) and electrolytes, O2, CO2, glucose, and waste products.

Blood Protection

Clotting (coagulation) stops blood loss from injuries and prevents pathogen entry.
The immune system protects against invading microorganisms.
Proteins in blood protect against harmful elements and ions, which are needed but should stay confined in particular areas. Iron is an example.

Formed Elements (Details)

Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Approximate 5 million per microliter of blood. Their bi-concave shape is crucial. RBCs make up 99% of formed elements.
White Blood Cells (WBCs): Around 5000-10000 per microliter, various types (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).
Platelets (Thrombocytes): 150,000-400,000 per microliter.
Blood's pH range is slightly alkaline (7.35-7.45)

Blood Extraction Methods

Venipuncture (needle into a vein)
Finger/heel prick
Arteriole stick (measuring gases)

Carboyic Anhydrase

RBCs contain carbonic anhydrase, this enzyme facilitates CO2 transport in blood.
The enzyme catalyzes the reaction between CO2 and H2O to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) that dissociates, allowing CO2 transport.

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Description

Explore the critical functions of blood in transporting essential elements and regulating body parameters such as pH, temperature, and blood pressure. Understand the role of blood volume in influencing blood pressure and the significance of osmotic pressure in maintaining fluid balance. This quiz will enhance your knowledge about how blood supports overall health.