Blood pH, Albumin, and Leukocytes

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Questions and Answers

Which disruption to blood pH would MOST directly impact oxygen delivery to tissues?

  • A slight increase in pH, leading to mild alkalosis.
  • A minor decrease in pH, resulting in slight acidosis.
  • Fluctuations in pH only affect nutrient transport, not oxygen delivery.
  • Any shift in pH, whether acidosis or alkalosis, disrupts enzyme activity and oxygen delivery. (correct)

A patient with liver disease experiences a significant drop in albumin levels. What physiological consequence would be MOST expected as a direct result?

  • Increased blood pressure due to higher blood viscosity.
  • Reduced red blood cell production, leading to anemia.
  • Elevated white blood cell count, indicating an immune response.
  • Edema (swelling) due to fluid leakage into tissues. (correct)

Following a bacterial infection, a complete blood count reveals a significantly elevated number of neutrophils. What does this observation suggest about the patient's condition?

  • The patient is experiencing an allergic reaction.
  • The patient has a parasitic infection.
  • The patient is in the early stages of fighting off a bacterial infection. (correct)
  • The patient has a chronic viral infection.

An athlete is suspected of abusing erythropoietin (EPO). What physiological change would be MOST indicative of EPO abuse?

<p>Increased red blood cell count, leading to increased blood viscosity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's mitral valve is failing to close properly during ventricular contraction. What is the MOST likely consequence of this condition?

<p>Blood flows backward into the left atrium. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the unique biconcave shape of erythrocytes (red blood cells) directly contribute to their function?

<p>It increases the cell's surface area for efficient gas exchange and flexibility for navigating capillaries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person with type O negative blood is in need of a transfusion. Which blood type(s) can MOST safely be transfused into this patient?

<p>Type O negative only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do arterioles contribute to the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to tissues?

<p>By vasoconstricting and vasodilating to control resistance and blood distribution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of capillary would you MOST likely find large gaps between endothelial cells, facilitating the passage of cells and large proteins?

<p>Sinusoidal capillaries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature of veins MOST directly counteracts the effects of gravity, particularly within the limbs?

<p>One-way valves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An individual experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure due to dehydration. How does the body MOST immediately compensate for this change?

<p>By releasing hormones that promote vasoconstriction and fluid retention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is MOST commonly palpated to assess the pulse in the wrist?

<p>Radial artery (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which immunoglobulin plays the MOST significant role in mediating allergic reactions and parasitic infections?

<p>IgE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the coagulation phase of hemostasis, what critical conversion leads to the formation of the stabilizing mesh that reinforces a blood clot?

<p>Fibrinogen to fibrin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an increased vessel diameter affect blood pressure, assuming cardiac output remains constant?

<p>Decreases blood pressure due to lower resistance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the tunica media in arteries?

<p>Contains smooth muscle and elastic fibers to allow vasoconstriction and vasodilation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient has a condition that reduces the number of B cells. Which function will be MOST affected by this condition?

<p>Producing antibodies for adaptive immunity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the diastolic pressure increases but the systolic pressure stays the same, what will happen to the pulse pressure?

<p>The pulse pressure will decrease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of chordae tendineae and papillary muscles in the heart?

<p>To prevent the atrioventricular valves from prolapsing during ventricular contraction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person starts taking a medication that increases their blood volume. Which of the following is the MOST likely direct effect on their blood pressure?

<p>Increased blood pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms is MOST effective in maintaining blood pressure during sudden standing (orthostatic hypotension)?

<p>Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct equation for calculating cardiac output?

<p>$CO = Heart Rate \times Stroke Volume$ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of veins, but not of arteries?

<p>Have valves to prevent backflow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing the length of blood vessels, such as in obesity, affect blood pressure, assuming cardiac output remains constant?

<p>Increases blood pressure due to higher resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in blood pressure regulation?

<p>Retains water, increasing blood volume and raising blood pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Normal blood pH

Blood maintains a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.35 to 7.45, important for enzyme activity and overall cellular function.

Albumin

The main protein that maintains osmotic pressure, retaining water in the bloodstream and stabilizing blood pressure.

Leukocytes

Immune cells, larger than RBCs with a nucleus, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils

First responders to infection, they engulf bacteria and are the most abundant type of white blood cell (~60%).

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Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone that stimulates red bone marrow to produce RBCs, mainly produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels.

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Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves that separate the atria from the ventricles, preventing backflow of blood, including the tricuspid (right) and bicuspid/mitral (left) valves.

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Erythrocyte

Small, round, biconcave discs without a nucleus or organelles, containing hemoglobin for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.

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Blood Type AB

Blood type with both A and B antigens and no antibodies, making it a universal recipient.

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Blood Type O

Blood type with no antigens and both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, making it a universal donor.

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Arteries

Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart and have thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure, with three layers (tunica intima, media, and externa).

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Arterioles

Small branches of arteries that control blood flow into capillaries by vasoconstricting or dilating.

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Capillaries

Site of exchange of gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste between blood and tissues, with extremely thin walls (one layer of endothelial cells).

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Venules

Small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and begin the return toward the heart; low-pressure vessels with slightly thicker walls than capillaries.

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Veins

Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart and have thinner walls, less elasticity, larger lumens, and valves to prevent backflow.

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Blood Pressure

Force of blood pushing against artery walls, measured as systolic (contraction) over diastolic (relaxation) pressure.

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Cardiac Output (CO)

The amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume (CO = HR x SV).

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Peripheral Resistance

Resistance blood faces as it flows through arteries, influenced by vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length.

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Radial artery location

Forearm, lateral side (used for pulse taking)

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Brachial artery location

Upper arm (common for blood pressure measurement)

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Popliteal artery location

Behind the knee

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Femoral artery location

In the thigh, major supplier of leg.

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IgA

Immunoglobulin abundant in secretions (tears, saliva, breast milk) that provides mucosal immunity.

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IgG

Immunoglobulin that promotes long term immunity. Also crosses placenta

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IgE

Immunoglobulin that is involved in alergies

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Hemostasis

A series of steps that stop blood flow. Includes vascular spasm, platelet plug formation and coagulation to create a fibrin mesh.

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Study Notes

  • Blood maintains a pH of 7.35 to 7.45
  • This pH is vital for enzyme activity and cellular function
  • Acidosis occurs if pH drops
  • Alkalosis occurs if pH rises
  • Disruptions in bodily functions can occur with either

Albumin

  • Main protein for maintaining osmotic pressure
  • Prevents water leakage from bloodstream into tissues
  • Maintains blood volume
  • Stabilizes blood pressure
  • Edema (swelling) results from low albumin due to fluid leakage

Leukocytes

  • Immune cells, larger than red blood cells, and have a nucleus

Leukocyte Types

  • Neutrophils are the most abundant at ~60%
  • Neutrophils are the first responders that engulf bacteria
  • Lymphocytes include B & T cells and are key in adaptive immunity
  • Monocytes become macrophages to clean up debris
  • Eosinophils fight parasites and are involved in allergic reactions
  • Basophils release histamine, causing inflammation and allergies

Red Blood Cells

  • Lifespan is around 120 days
  • Erythropoietin (EPO) stimulates RBC production
  • EPO is produced by kidneys in response to low oxygen
  • EPO signals red bone marrow to produce more RBCs
  • Increase of EPO can occur in athletes

Heart Valves

  • AV valves separate atria from ventricles
  • The right AV valve is the tricuspid
  • The left AV valve is the bicuspid (mitral)
  • Valves open to allow blood flow from atria to ventricles
  • Valves close to prevent backflow when ventricles contract
  • Pressure differences control operation and are supported by chordae tendineae and papillary muscles to prevent valve prolapse.

Erythrocyte Structure

  • Small, round, biconcave discs
  • Erythrocytes lack a nucleus or organelles, maximizing space for hemoglobin
  • Biconcave shape increases surface area for gas exchange
  • Biconcave shape allows flexibility to pass through tiny capillaries
  • Contains hemoglobin, which binds oxygen (Oâ‚‚) and carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚)

Blood Typing (ABO)

  • ABO system is based on antigens on RBC surfaces
  • Type A has A antigen, anti-B antibodies
  • Type B has B antigen, anti-A antibodies
  • Type AB has both A & B antigens, no antibodies and is the universal recipient
  • Type O has no antigens, both anti-A and anti-B antibodies and is the universal donor
  • Rh factor: If present, blood is Rh+; if absent, Rh–
  • Rh factor is important in transfusions and pregnancy (Rh incompatibility)

Arteries

  • Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart
  • Pulmonary arteries are an exception that carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs
  • Thick muscular walls to withstand high pressure from the heart
  • Tunica intima: Inner layer with smooth endothelium (reduces friction)
  • Tunica media: Thick middle layer with smooth muscle and elastic fibers allowing constriction (vasoconstriction) and dilation (vasodilation)
  • Tunica externa (adventitia): Outer connective tissue for support and structure

Arterioles

  • Small branches of arteries that control blood flow into capillaries
  • They have thinner walls than arteries, but still contain smooth muscle
  • Fewer elastic fibers
  • Can vasoconstrict or dilate to regulate blood pressure and flow into tissues

Capillaries

  • Site of exchange of gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste between blood and tissues
  • Extremely thin walls with just one layer of endothelial cells (tunica intima)
  • No smooth muscle or outer layers allowing for easy diffusion
  • Tiny diameter allowing red blood cells to pass through single file

Capillary Types

  • Continuous are the most common- tight junctions, found in muscle, skin, CNS.
  • Fenestrated: Have pores for greater exchange (e.g., kidneys, intestines).
  • Sinusoidal: Large gaps for cells and proteins to pass (e.g., liver, spleen).

Venules

  • Small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and begin return toward the heart
  • Slightly thicker walls than capillaries
  • Contain some smooth muscle, especially as they grow larger
  • Low-pressure vessels

Veins

  • Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart
  • Pulmonary veins are the exception and carry oxygenated blood from the lungs
  • Three layers, like arteries, but with thinner tunica media and less smooth muscle
  • Less elasticity
  • Larger lumen allowing it to hold more blood
  • Veins are blood reservoirs
  • Valves are one-way flaps inside veins to prevent backflow
  • Surrounded by skeletal muscles that help push blood upward, called the muscle pump

Blood Pressure

  • Force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps
  • Measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
  • Systolic pressure (top number): pressure during heart contraction
  • Diastolic pressure (bottom number): pressure during heart relaxation
  • Example: 120/80 mmHg is considered normal

Blood Pressure Factors

  • Cardiac Output (CO) is the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute
  • Formula: CO = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume
  • If more blood is pumped, BP increases

Peripheral Resistance

  • Resistance the blood faces as it flows through the arteries
  • Influenced by vessel diameter (narrower = more resistance = higher BP)
  • Influenced by blood viscosity (thicker blood = more resistance)
  • Influenced by length of blood vessels (more in obesity = higher resistance)

Blood Volume

  • More fluid in blood vessels results in higher pressure
  • Dehydration can lower BP
  • Fluid overload can increase BP

Elasticity of Arteries

  • Healthy arteries stretch to absorb pressure
  • Arteries stiffen with age or arteriosclerosis, so BP rises

###Hormones

  • Adrenaline (epinephrine): Increases heart rate and constricts vessels increasing BP
  • Aldosterone: Tells kidneys to retain salt and water increasing blood volume and raising BP
  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Retains water increasing blood volume
  • Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): Raises BP by vasoconstriction and salt retention

Main Arteries

  • Radial artery: Forearm, lateral side (used for pulse)
  • Brachial artery: Upper arm (common for BP measurement)
  • Popliteal artery: Behind the knee
  • Femoral artery: In the thigh, major supplier of leg

Immunoglobulins

  • IgG: Most abundant (~75%); long-term immunity, crosses placenta
  • IgA: In secretions (tears, saliva, breast milk); mucosal immunity
  • IgM: First produced in infections; activates complement system
  • IgE: Allergies and parasitic infections; binds to mast cells
  • IgD: Less understood, involved in B-cell activation

Blood Clotting

  • Hemostasis (stopping bleeding) involves three phases
  • Vascular Spasm – constriction of blood vessels
  • Platelet Plug Formation – platelets stick to injury site
  • Coagulation – cascade of clotting factors turns fibrinogen into fibrin
  • Final product: Fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot

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