10 Questions
What are the circumstances in which it is essential to know a person's blood group?
Blood transfusion, paternity dispute, medicolegal problem, and organ transplantation.
What determines the blood group of an individual?
The presence or absence of specific marker antigen molecules on the plasma membranes of erythrocytes.
What happens when incompatible blood is infused into an individual?
Erythrocytes with foreign antigens trigger an immune response, producing antibodies that cause agglutination and hemolysis.
What are antigens, and how do they trigger a response from the immune system?
Antigens are substances that the body does not recognize as belonging to the self, triggering a defensive response from leukocytes (WBC) of the immune system.
What are the two most significant blood groups identified on erythrocyte membranes?
The ABO blood group and the Rh blood group.
Who is credited with the discovery of blood types?
Dr. Karl Landsteiner.
What is the principle behind blood typing?
The principle involves the reaction of RBCs containing agglutinogens with sera containing agglutinins.
What is the purpose of observing the slide under a microscope during blood typing?
To observe the presence or absence of agglutination and hemolysis of RBCs.
What is the term for the process by which erythrocyte clumps are destroyed, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream?
Hemolysis.
What is the term for the antibodies produced in response to incompatible blood?
Immunoglobulins or antibodies.
Study Notes
Blood Group and Its Importance
- Knowing a person's blood group is essential in situations like blood transfusion, paternity dispute, medicolegal problems, and organ transplantation.
Blood Typing and Transfusion
- Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of specific marker antigen molecules on the plasma membranes of erythrocytes.
- Antigens are substances that trigger a defensive response from the immune system, and they are generally large proteins.
- Incompatible blood transfusions trigger an immune response, producing antibodies that attach to antigens on infused erythrocytes, causing them to agglutinate.
- Erythrocyte clumps eventually break down, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream, a process called hemolysis.
Significant Blood Groups
- There are over 50 antigens identified on erythrocyte membranes, but the most significant ones are the ABO blood group and the Rh blood group.
History of Blood Types
- Dr. Karl Landsteiner was the first to discover blood types in 1900.
- He observed blood transfusions and found that the RBCs contain antigens (agglutinogens) on their cell membrane, while the plasma contains antibodies (agglutinins).
Determining Blood Group
- A person's blood group is determined by reacting their RBCs with sera containing known agglutinins.
- The presence or absence of agglutination and hemolysis of RBCs is observed, typically under a microscope.
Learn about the significance of knowing one's blood group in medical situations like transfusion, paternity disputes, and organ transplantation. Understand how blood groups are determined and the importance of compatibility.
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