Blood: Physical Properties

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What percentage of total body weight does blood approximately represent?

15-18%

10-12%

5-6%

7-8% (correct)

What is the primary reason for the red color of blood?

Presence of white blood cells

Presence of plasma proteins

Presence of carbon dioxide

Presence of hemoglobin in red blood corpuscles (correct)

Which of the following components contributes to the viscosity of blood?

Cellular components and plasma proteins (correct)

White blood cells primarily

Blood plasma alone

Only red blood cells

What is the typical pH level of blood?

7.4 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?

Nutrient storage Signup and view all the answers

Which process do white blood cells utilize to defend the body against pathogens?

Phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What does haemostasis refer to?

Stoppage of bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What aids the maintenance of acid-base balance in blood?

Blood composition regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of plasma proteins related to the transport of substances?

Preventing rapid diffusion of nutrients to tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for producing osmotic pressure?

Albumin Signup and view all the answers

How do plasma proteins contribute to the buffer function in the blood?

By acting as weak acids in solutions Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when plasma protein levels decrease?

Increased capillary permeability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plasma proteins is essential for blood clotting?

Fibrinogen Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may lead to increased levels of globulins in plasma?

Severe infection Signup and view all the answers

In prolonged starvation, plasma proteins can be used for which purpose?

Gluconeogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein serves a defensive function by acting as antibodies?

Gamma globulins Signup and view all the answers

What is the main site of blood formation in adults?

Bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the blood volume is made up of plasma?

55% Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein is the least abundant?

Prothrombin Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal level of total plasma proteins in gm/dl?

6 - 8 gm/dl Signup and view all the answers

What contributes the most to the plasma's volume?

Water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of plasma protein?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the average molecular weight range of globulin?

90000 - 156000 Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can lead to a decreased A/G ratio?

Increased globulin production Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physical Properties of Blood

Blood volume is approximately 5.5 liters, making up 7-8% of total body weight.
Red color is due to hemoglobin in red blood cells; arterial blood appears brighter due to oxyhemoglobin.
Blood is opaque because of cellular components.
Slightly alkaline with a pH of about 7.4.
Viscosity is 3-5 times that of water, influenced by cellular components and plasma proteins.
Specific gravity is 1060 for whole blood, 1090 for cells, and 1030 for plasma.
Plasma osmotic pressure measures 5500 mmHg.

General Functions of Blood

Transport Medium:
- Carries oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide in reverse.
- Transports nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract to tissues.
- Distributes vitamins and hormones, aiding metabolic regulation.
- Moves waste products like urea and creatinine to excretory organs.
- Transfers heat generated from metabolic processes to regulate body temperature.
Defensive Functions:
- White blood cells (WBCs) phagocytize microorganisms and produce antibodies.
Haemostatic Functions:
- Stopping bleeding via platelets and clotting factors.
Homeostatic Functions:
- Maintains acid-base balance.
- Regulates water balance and substance exchange among blood, interstitial fluid, and external environment.
- Controls blood glucose and calcium levels.
Contributes to peripheral resistance, which helps maintain arterial blood pressure.

Composition of Blood

Consists of cellular elements (45%) and plasma (55%).
Cellular Elements:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): approximately 5 million/mm³.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): ranges from 4000 to 11000/mm³.
- Platelets: between 150,000 and 300,000/mm³.
Plasma:
- Accounts for 5% of body weight and 55% of blood volume.

Plasma Composition

Water constitutes 90% of plasma; dissolved solutes make up 10% (includes organic and inorganic substances).
Plasma proteins include albumin (3.5-5 gm%), globulin (2.3-3.5 gm%), fibrinogen (0.3-0.4 gm%), and prothrombin (10 mg%).

Plasma Proteins

Normal plasma protein levels range from 6-8 gm/dl.
Types of Plasma Proteins:
- Albumin: Most abundant; functions in osmotic pressure (28 mmHg).
- Globulin: Includes types alpha and beta; functions related to immunity.
- Fibrinogen: Key role in blood clotting.
- Prothrombin: Involved in coagulation.

A/G Ratio

Normal range is 1.2 by electrophoresis and 1.6-1.7 by chemical separation.
A decreased ratio may indicate liver failure or nephritic syndrome.
An increased ratio can occur in congenital agammaglobulinaemia and AIDS.

Functions of Plasma Proteins

Carriage and Preservation: Act as carriers for hormones, minerals, and vitamins to prevent rapid losses or diffusion.
Buffer Function: Plasma proteins contribute 7-15% to the buffer system, helping maintain blood pH.
Regulation of Capillary Permeability: Influence capillary pore closure; low levels can lead to edema.
Nutritional Reserve: Can be utilized in gluconeogenesis during starvation.
CO2 Carriage: Transport carbon dioxide as carbamino compounds.
Specific Functions:
- Albumin generates osmotic pressure essential for fluid balance.
- Gamma globulins function as antibodies for defense.
- Fibrinogen and prothrombin are crucial for clot formation and viscosity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the physical properties of blood, including its volume, color, opacity, pH, and viscosity. Understand how these properties contribute to the overall function of blood in the cardiovascular system. Test your knowledge on this vital body fluid!