Blood Physiology Lecture 01

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Questions and Answers

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

Transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues (correct)

Carry carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs

Transport pathogens to lymph nodes

Provide structure to red blood cells

Which of the following statements about red blood cells is FALSE?

They are shaped like biconcave disks.

They contain nuclei with DNA. (correct)

They are formed in the bone marrow.

They have a lifespan of 120 days.

Which condition is characterized by an increased number of white blood cells?

Leukocytosis (correct)

Leucopenia

Polycythemia

Erythropenia

What are white blood cells primarily responsible for?

Fighting diseases and foreign invaders Signup and view all the answers

How many different types of leukocytes are mentioned?

Five Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal lifespan of platelets?

8-12 days Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by an elevated level of platelets?

Thrombocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a risk associated with mismatched blood transfusion?

Haemolytic shock Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood transfusion is necessary for someone with thrombocytopenia?

Platelets Signup and view all the answers

Which antigen is crucial in determining Rh blood group status?

Rh antigen Signup and view all the answers

Erythroblastosis faetalis is primarily caused by which type of incompatibility?

Rh incompatibility Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of blood is composed of cellular components?

45% Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT a major function of blood?

Absorption of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter range of platelets?

1-4 micrometers Signup and view all the answers

During a blood transfusion, which type of blood component can be given to treat anemia?

Red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Where does haematopoiesis primarily occur in adults?

Red bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes erythropoiesis?

Production of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of plasma?

Water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a protective function of blood?

Transporting nutrients to cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood cell is the precursor to other blood cells in haematopoiesis?

Haemocytoblast Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for the maintenance of normal body pH in blood?

Bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

Understand physiology of red and white blood cells.
Identify blood groups and compatibility for transfusions.
Describe body fluid composition.
Explain blood transfusion procedures and blood grouping.

Composition of Blood

Blood consists of 45% cellular components (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and 55% plasma.
Plasma is 90% water, 8% proteins, and contains inorganic salts, lipids, sugars, amino acids, antibodies, hormones, electrolytes, waste, and ions.
Blood's ionic composition mirrors that of interstitial fluid.

Haematopoiesis and Erythropoiesis

Haematopoiesis: formation and maturation of blood cells, occurring in red bone marrow.
Driven by haemocytoblasts, which are undifferentiated stem cells.
Erythropoiesis specifically refers to RBC formation; thrombopoiesis refers to platelet production.

Major Functions of Blood

Distribution: transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, waste, and hormones.
Regulation: maintains pH, fluid balance, and body temperature.
Protection: seals vascular damage and provides defense against pathogens through leukocytes and antibodies.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Most abundant cells (4-6 million per microliter) with a lifespan of 120 days; formed in bone marrow.
Mature RBCs lack nuclei and are biconcave, measuring 6-8 micrometers in diameter.
Contain haemoglobin, responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.
Conditions: Polycythemia (high RBC levels) and erythropenia (low RBC levels).

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Largest blood cells but present in lower numbers (4,500-11,000 per microliter).
Formed in bone marrow and lymph glands; crucial for immune function.
Size ranges from 8-20 micrometers with a varying life span (from hours to years).
Five types: Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes.
Conditions: Leukocytosis (high WBC levels) and leucopenia (low WBC levels).

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Smallest blood cells (1-4 micrometers); formed as fragments of megakaryocytes in bone marrow.
Life span of 8-12 days; normal count is 150,000-400,000 per microliter.
Involved in clotting, sealing wounds, and repairing vessels.
Conditions: Thrombocytosis (high platelet levels) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels).

Blood Transfusion

A procedure to deliver healthy blood via IV; necessary for blood loss, anemia, and certain blood disorders.
Types include whole blood, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
Risks involve mismatched transfusions leading to hemolytic shock and renal failure, and matched transfusions causing circulatory overload or disease transmission.

Blood Grouping

ABO system identified by Karl Landsteiner based on antigens A and B present on RBCs.
Rh system indicates the presence (Rh+) or absence (Rh-) of a specific antigen, essential for compatibility in transfusions.

Erythroblastosis Faetalis

A condition where fetal erythrocytes are destroyed due to maternal immune response against incompatible blood groups.
Major causes include Rh incompatibility and ABO incompatibility.
In severe cases, intrauterine blood transfusions may be required to treat fetal anemia.

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Description

This quiz covers the physiological aspects of blood, including the functions of red and white blood cells. It also delves into blood groups, compatibility for transfusions, and the composition of body fluids. Perfect for anyone studying human biology or related fields.