Blood Overview and Components

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of blood?

To provide structural support to tissues

To store energy for the body

To transport oxygen and nutrients to cells (correct)

To act as a barrier against pathogens

What percentage of blood is plasma?

45%

25%

55% (correct)

75%

Which component of plasma is primarily responsible for blood clotting?

Immunoglobulins

Albumin

Fibrinogen (correct)

Glucose

How does plasma help maintain body temperature?

By balancing heat loss and heat gain Signup and view all the answers

What role do antibodies in plasma play for the body?

Fight pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the water content in plasma?

It consists of 92% water Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of plasma helps regulate pH balance in the body?

Buffers within plasma Signup and view all the answers

What happens to donated plasma to preserve its quality?

It is frozen for preservation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

How many polypeptide chains are present in each hemoglobin molecule?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What color is oxyhemoglobin when oxygen is bound to it?

Bright red Signup and view all the answers

Where is hemoglobin produced in the body?

Bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What happens to hemoglobin when red blood cells die?

It is broken down and components are salvaged Signup and view all the answers

What does the heme part of hemoglobin contain?

Iron atom Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the weight of hemoglobin does heme account for?

4 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan of platelets in the bloodstream?

10 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of red blood cells in the body?

To carry oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?

120 days Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is primarily responsible for combating bacterial infections?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of blood volume is typically composed of red blood cells in a healthy individual?

40 to 45 percent Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood cell is predominant in immune responses?

White blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

To transport oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of white blood cells per microliter of blood?

4,000 to 11,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is involved in allergic responses?

Eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of normal adult hemoglobin?

Two alpha chains and two beta chains Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the normal hemoglobin range for infants begin to decrease?

One month of age Signup and view all the answers

What condition is defined as having lower than a normal number of red blood cells?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can cause high levels of hemoglobin?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of low hemoglobin levels related to dietary deficiencies?

Iron deficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which group has the lowest normal hemoglobin range?

Adult women Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for the disorder that may arise from abnormal hemoglobin structure?

Sickle cell anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of living at high altitudes?

Higher hemoglobin levels Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the symptoms of severe anemia?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemia is associated with insufficient iron in the body?

Iron-deficiency anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is hemolytic anemia characterized by?

Faster destruction of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What condition can cause lifelong medical issues and is inherited?

Thalassemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a major symptom of hemophilia?

Excessive bleeding from wounds Signup and view all the answers

What can aplastic anemia result from?

Primary bone marrow failure Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible cause of acquired hemolytic anemia?

Certain infections or medications Signup and view all the answers

Which anemia type requires regular blood transfusions in severe cases?

Thalassemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of hypocalcemia?

Muscle spasms in the throat Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is often associated with causing hypocalcemia?

Abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is commonly recommended for individuals with chronic hypocalcemia?

Vitamin D supplements Signup and view all the answers

What might be a severe consequence of untreated hypocalcemia?

Seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognizable symptom of hypocalcemia?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Overview

Blood is a vital component of life, found in any animal with a circulatory system
Blood is a fluid connective tissue transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells
Blood carries away carbon dioxide and other waste products
Blood regulates body temperature
Blood is a transport liquid, pumped by the heart (or equivalent) to all body parts and returned to the heart

Blood Components

Blood has four main components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Approximately 55% of blood is plasma
Remaining 45% consists of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets suspended in plasma

Plasma

Largest component of blood
Primarily composed of water (92%)
Contains vital proteins for various functions and substance transport (7%)
Remaining 1% includes minerals, sugars, fats, hormones, and vitamins
Plays a crucial role in blood clotting (coagulation) through elements like fibrinogen, thrombin, and factor X
Supports the immune system (immunity) via antibodies and immunoglobulins
Maintains blood pressure and volume through albumin
Balances body temperature, transporting nutrients, electrolytes, hormones, and removing waste to liver, lungs, kidneys, or skin

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Also called erythrocytes
Begin as immature cells in bone marrow
Mature over approximately 7 days
Each RBC lives for roughly 120 days
Human body produces around 2 million RBCs every second
Disc-shaped with a flat center, abundant (40-45% of blood volume)
Lack a nucleus, allowing for flexible shape for movement through blood vessels
Contain hemoglobin, giving blood its red color and transporting oxygen throughout the body
Normal RBC count (reference range) varies by gender and age

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Also called leukocytes
Essential component of the immune system
Produced and stored (80-90%) in bone marrow stem cells
Lifespan is approximately 12-20 days
Normal range is 4000-11000 cells per microliter of blood
1% of blood volume is WBCs
Fight invaders by producing antibody proteins
Classified into granulocytes and agranulocytes

Types of White Blood Cells

Neutrophils: Protect against infections (bacteria, fungi, and foreign debris)
Lymphocytes: Combat viral infections (T cells, natural killer cells, and B cells producing antibodies)
Eosinophils: Destroy parasites and cancer cells
Basophils: Involved in allergic responses (coughing, sneezing, runny nose)
Monocytes: Clean up damaged cells

Platelets

Also called thrombocytes
Fragments of megakaryocytes (larger cells made in bone marrow)
Crucial for wound healing
Platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 cells per microliter of blood
Life span is about 10 days
Prevent and control bleeding by forming clots at injured blood vessel lining, stopping blood leaks

Hemoglobin

Protein molecule in red blood cells
Transports oxygen from lungs to body tissues, and carbon dioxide to the lungs
Bonds reversibly with oxygen (bright red when oxygenated and purplish blue when not)
Produced in bone marrow, circulated with red blood cells, and destroyed along with red blood cells
Iron is salvaged and transported back to bone marrow
Excreted through the intestines after breakdown by spleen

Hemoglobin Structure

A protein consisting of four polypeptide chains (2 alpha and 2 beta chains), each with a heme group
Heme contains iron, allowing oxygen binding
Hemoglobin structure varies during different developmental stages (normal adult vs. fetus/infant)

Normal Hemoglobin Values

Varies based on age and gender
Ranges provided for newborns, children, adult males, and adult females

High Hemoglobin Levels

Higher than normal range seen in people in high altitudes and smokers
Can result from lung disease, tumors, and erythropoietin abuse

Low Hemoglobin Levels (Anemia)

Lower than normal range
Common causes include blood loss, nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, and folate), bone marrow problems, kidney failure, and abnormal hemoglobin structure

Blood Diseases Overview

Anemia: Condition caused by low red blood cell count or malfunctioning red blood cells; inherited or acquired
Symptoms of Anemia: Fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, headache, pallor, shortness of breath, brittle nails, and weakness
Types of Anemia
Aplastic: Bone marrow stops producing red blood cells
Iron-deficiency: Lack of iron in the body (most common)
Thalassemia: Inherited disorder resulting in lower than normal hemoglobin levels
Hemolytic: Red blood cells destroyed faster than created; inherited or acquired
Hemophilia: Rare disorder with inadequate blood-clotting proteins; symptoms like nosebleeds, excessive bruising

Hypocalcemia

Condition where calcium levels in the blood are too low
Often caused by abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or vitamin D
Can be mild or severe, temporary or chronic
Symptoms: Tingling in lips, tongue, fingers, muscle aches, muscle spasms (tetany), seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure

Medications and Treatments for Hypocalcemia

Oral calcium pills to increase calcium levels
Vitamin D supplements to help body absorb calcium

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Description

This quiz explores the essential aspects of blood, including its vital functions and fundamental components. Participants will learn about plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as how blood contributes to regulating body temperature and transporting nutrients. Test your knowledge of this critical fluid connective tissue!