Blood Groups and Immunology Quiz

The liquid component of blood containing substances like waste products, hormones, enzymes, and gases.

The process of creating all types of blood cells.

Bi-concave, non-nucleated cells responsible for oxygen transport.

White blood cells involved in the immune system.

Small cell fragments responsible for blood clotting.

The smallest and most abundant plasma protein, albumin plays a key role in maintaining osmotic pressure, which regulates fluid balance within blood vessels. It also acts as a carrier for substances like lipids and hormones.

Globulins are a diverse group of plasma proteins involved in immune responses and transport. They help your body fight infections (immunoglobulins/antibodies) and carry iron, lipids, and vitamins.

Fibrinogen is a crucial protein for blood clotting. It transforms into fibrin, forming a mesh-like structure that traps blood cells to stop bleeding.

Blood plasma carries nutrients from digestion to all body cells, including simple sugars (glucose), amino acids (building blocks of proteins), fats/oils, and vitamins.

A type of antibody that binds to and inactivates Rh antigens from fetal red blood cells.

The process of ingesting and destroying microbes by immune cells.

Highly reactive molecules produced by neutrophils to combat infection.

The movement of neutrophils to the site of infection.

The most abundant type of white blood cells, responsible for phagocytosing and destroying microbes.

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, primarily carry oxygen and a small amount of carbon dioxide throughout the body.

Each red blood cell contains 280 million haemoglobin molecules, which bind to oxygen and allow for its transport in the blood.

Haemoglobin, a protein responsible for oxygen transport, consists of four polypeptide chains. The specific arrangement of these chains varies between fetal and adult haemoglobin.

The process of red blood cell formation, taking place in the red bone marrow.

The iron within the haem group of haemoglobin is responsible for the red color of blood. The interaction of iron and oxygen affects how light is reflected, giving blood its characteristic red hue.

The process of red blood cell production, stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).

The breakdown of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the blood plasma.

A hormone produced by the kidneys, mainly in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia). It stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

A yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of heme, a component of hemoglobin. It's excreted in bile and urine.

The liver's process of converting unconjugated bilirubin (formed during red blood cell breakdown) into a form that can be excreted in bile.

A glycolipid antigen found on the surface of red blood cells, determining an individual's ABO blood group.

Individuals with blood group A possess antigen A on their red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in their plasma.

A transfusion reaction occurs when incompatible blood types are mixed, leading to the destruction of red blood cells.

Individuals with blood group O lack both A & B antigens, making them universal donors as their blood can be safely transfused to any recipient.

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is another surface antigen found on red blood cells, determining whether someone is Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

Macrophages are white blood cells that engulf and destroy debris and pathogens in tissues. They also present antigens to activate other immune cells.

Eosinophils are white blood cells primarily involved in fighting parasitic infections and regulating allergic reactions.

Basophils are white blood cells containing histamine and heparin. They play a crucial role in inflammation, dilating blood vessels, and preventing blood clotting.

B-lymphocytes are white blood cells that produce antibodies, proteins that recognize and neutralize specific pathogens.

T-lymphocytes are white blood cells that directly kill infected cells or tumor cells, or activate other immune cells.

Megakaryocytes are large cells that break down into fragments called thrombocytes. Thrombopoietin produced by the liver influences their formation.

Storage granules within thrombocytes contain proteins and adhesion molecules that are released when activated. These molecules initiate clotting and healing.

Thromboxane, a vasoconstrictor, is released when thrombocytes are activated. It causes vascular spasms and promotes blood clot formation.

Vasoconstriction is the first step in clotting. Smooth muscle contracts, narrowing blood vessels when damaged.

Platelet plug formation is the second step. Platelets stick to damaged blood vessels and aggregate, forming a plug to stop bleeding.

The final steps of clotting involve forming a mesh-like structure called a fibrin clot with the help of thrombin.

Blood clotting is a complex process that involves steps like vasoconstriction, platelet plug formation, and fibrin mesh formation.

The process that involves the breakdown of a blood clot, typically by the enzyme plasmin, which digests fibrin threads, inactivating fibrinogen and thrombin.

A natural anti-coagulant produced in the body by mast cells and basophils, which prevents blood clots and promotes blood fluidity.

A vitamin vital for the synthesis of clotting factors, helping the blood to clot effectively. It can be found in dark green vegetables, tomatoes and fermented foods like natto. It is also produced by your gut bacteria.

A crucial protein involved in the clotting process that transforms into long, sticky threads called fibrin. These threads create a mesh-like structure, trapping blood cells and forming a blood clot.

These are medications that can be prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming. One example is Warfarin, which acts by blocking the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

Anemia is a condition characterized by lower than normal hemoglobin concentration in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type worldwide, with low iron levels impairing hemoglobin production, resulting in pale, small red blood cells.

Spoon-shaped nails, known as koilonychia, are a characteristic symptom of iron deficiency anemia.

Angular stomatitis, a painful cracking at the corners of the mouth, can occur due to iron deficiency anemia.

Glossitis, inflammation of the tongue, is another symptom that can occur in iron deficiency anemia.

Low red blood cell count, low hemoglobin levels, and low ferritin (iron storage protein) are key blood test indicators of iron deficiency anemia.

Dietary intake of iron-rich foods like dark leafy greens is crucial for preventing iron deficiency anemia. Eating pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and consuming vitamin C can also help.

Iron supplementation is often recommended to address iron deficiency anemia, along with treating any underlying causes like malabsorption or excessive blood loss.