Blood Overview and Components

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Questions and Answers

What type of blood can Type AB receive?

Type A, Type B, Type AB, and Type O blood (correct)

Type A and Type O blood only

Only Type A blood

Type A and Type B blood only

What happens when an Rh− person receives Rh+ blood for the first time?

The blood is rejected immediately without any additional effect

The immune system becomes sensitized and produces antibodies (correct)

The person experiences immediate hemolysis

No reaction occurs, and the blood is accepted

Which statement is true regarding Type O blood?

It is the universal recipient for all blood types

It can only receive Type A blood

It is the only blood type with Rh antigens

It can receive Type O blood only (correct)

In a situation where an Rh− mother has an Rh+ child, what occurs during the second pregnancy?

The mother's immune system may produce antibodies that attack the child's Rh+ blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the RhoGAM shot in pregnancy?

To prevent the mother's immune system from producing anti-Rh+ antibodies Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of blood?

Plasma and formed elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of blood volume in a healthy adult?

5–6 liters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of erythrocytes?

To carry oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes plasma?

It is a straw-colored fluid containing dissolved substances. Signup and view all the answers

How many oxygen molecules can one hemoglobin molecule bind?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of oxygen-poor blood?

It appears dull red or purple. Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein contributes to osmotic pressure?

Albumin Signup and view all the answers

What is anemia primarily characterized by?

Decrease in oxygen-carrying ability of the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of excessive red blood cell production, often due to bone marrow cancer?

Polycythemia vera Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell increases in number during an infection and functions as a phagocyte?

Neutrophil Signup and view all the answers

What process is responsible for the formation of blood cells?

Hematopoiesis Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is primarily responsible for regulating the rate of red blood cell production in response to oxygen levels?

Erythropoietin Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes an abnormally low white blood cell count?

Leukopenia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the largest type of white blood cell involved in chronic infection response?

Monocyte Signup and view all the answers

What process involves stopping bleeding from a damaged blood vessel?

Hemostasis Signup and view all the answers

What type of leukocyte is characterized by containing heparin?

Basophil Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of sickle cell anemia?

Abnormally shaped hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What role do platelets play in the body?

Initiating clotting process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of vascular spasms in hemostasis?

Narrow the blood vessel to decrease blood loss Signup and view all the answers

During platelet plug formation, what substance is exposed that causes platelets to adhere?

Collagen fibers Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the coagulation process in hemostasis?

Release of tissue factor Signup and view all the answers

What defines a thrombus?

Clot in an unbroken blood vessel Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by an insufficient number of circulating platelets?

Thrombocytopenia Signup and view all the answers

In hemophilia, what is typically missing from the blood that leads to prolonged bleeding?

Clotting factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of losing more than 30 percent of blood volume?

Shock, which can be fatal Signup and view all the answers

What determines a person's blood type in the ABO blood group system?

Presence of antigens Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Overview

Blood is a fluid tissue, a type of connective tissue found in the human body.
It transports essential components throughout the body, including nutrients, wastes, hormones, and body heat.

Blood Components

Blood consists of formed elements (living cells) and plasma (non-living fluid matrix).
Plasma makes up 55% of blood volume and is primarily water (90%). It transports other substances, including salts, nutrients, respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), hormones, plasma proteins, and waste products.
Plasma proteins perform vital roles, including maintaining osmotic pressure, aiding in blood clotting, and producing antibodies for immune function. Albumin and fibrinogen are vital plasma proteins.

Formed Elements

Formed elements constitute 45% of blood and include:
- Erythrocytes (red blood cells): These carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. They lack a nucleus and are shaped like biconcave discs. Normal count: 5 million per cubic millimeter of blood.
- Leukocytes (white blood cells): These are crucial for body defense against disease. They are complete cells with nuclei and organelles. They can move in and out of blood vessels and respond to chemicals released by damaged tissues. Their number is 4,800-10,800 per cubic millimeter of blood.
Platelets: These are cell fragments needed for blood clotting.
Types of leukocytes (white blood cells): Granulocytes (with granules in cytoplasm) - Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils. Agranulocytes (without granules in cytoplasm) - Lymphocytes, monocytes.

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)

Their function is oxygen transport via hemoglobin, an iron-bearing protein. Each hemoglobin molecule binds four oxygen molecules.
Normal blood contains 12-18 grams of hemoglobin per 100 milliliters of blood.
RBCs live for approximately 120 days. They are eliminated in the spleen or liver when worn out.
Imbalances can lead to conditions like anemia, a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, often due to low RBC count or abnormal hemoglobin. Polycythemia, an abnormally high RBC count, can result from bone marrow cancer or high altitudes.

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

Leukocytosis is an abnormally high WBC count, generally indicating an infection.
Leukopenia is an abnormally low WBC count, often caused by certain drugs.
Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, producing numerous immature WBCs.

Platelets

Platelets are cell fragments crucial for blood clotting.

Blood Volume

The average healthy adult has about 5-6 liters (6 quarts) of blood.
About 8% of a person's body weight consists of blood.

Blood Characteristics

Appearance: Sticky, opaque fluid, denser and thicker than water.
Color: Oxygen-rich blood is scarlet red; oxygen-poor blood is dull red or purple.
Taste: Metallic, salty.
Temperature: Slightly higher than body temperature, roughly 38°C (100.4°F).

Hemostasis

Hemostasis is the process of stopping bleeding from a blood vessel injury. It involves three phases:
1. Vascular spasms: The immediate response constricts the blood vessel.
2. Platelet plug formation: Platelets adhere to collagen fibers, then release chemicals to stimulate more platelet aggregation.
3. Coagulation: Injured tissues release tissue factor activating a cascade of reactions to form a fibrin mesh to trap red blood cells and platelets. This creates a blood clot.

Disorders of Hemostasis

Undesirable clotting: Thrombus (clot in an unbroken vessel) which can be life-threatening if it occurs in vital areas or if it breaks away (embolus) and travels to critical areas.
Bleeding disorders: Thrombocytopenia (insufficient platelets) and Hemophilia (hereditary deficiency in clotting factors).

Blood Groups and Transfusions

Significant blood loss requires transfusions.
Blood has genetically determined proteins known as antigens. The immune system recognizes these as foreign and may attack them.
Antibodies are the "recognizers" that bind foreign antigens.
ABO (A, B, AB, O) blood types categorize blood based on the presence or absence of two antigens. Type O blood is considered a universal donor and AB blood is considered a universal recipient.
Rh factor (Rh+, Rh-) refers to the presence or absence of another antigen. Rh-negative individuals can receive Rh-positive blood for the first time, but receiving Rh-positive blood a second time will cause the body's immune system to produce anti-bodies attacking the Rh+ blood cells with serious consequences.

Hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation, occurring in the red bone marrow. All blood cells derive from a common stem cell. RBCs have a lifespan of approximately 120 days.

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Description

Explore the essential features and components of blood in this quiz. Understand the roles of plasma and formed elements, including erythrocytes and plasma proteins, and their significance in bodily functions. Test your knowledge on the composition and functions of this vital fluid tissue.