Questions and Answers
What is the osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in plasma called?
At what stage of development are blood cells initially produced in the yolk sac?
Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for blood clotting?
Where are blood cells mainly formed after the third month of pregnancy?
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Beyond what age does blood cell production primarily occur in the marrow of flat or membranous bones?
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Which of the following contributes to the buffering capacity of blood?
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What happens to the active red marrow of long bones by the age of 20?
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What is one role of circulating antibodies within plasma proteins?
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What is the approximate fraction of body weight that blood constitutes?
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What is the normal pH range of blood?
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Which component of blood primarily helps in the regulation of body temperature?
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What is the primary function of hemopoiesis?
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Which is NOT a function of blood?
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What percentage of plasma volume constitutes the total volume of blood in a 70-kg man?
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Which type of protein in plasma is primarily responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure?
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What kind of cellular components do red blood cells primarily transport?
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Where are blood cells, except lymphocytes, normally produced?
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Which of the following is a hemopoietic growth factor?
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What is the average normal RBC count range in adult females?
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What is the lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC)?
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What is the normal concentration range of reticulocytes in adults?
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Which organ primarily produces erythropoietin?
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What is the primary characteristic of red blood cells?
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Which nutrient is NOT listed as essential for normal RBC and hemoglobin production?
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Study Notes
Blood Physiology Overview
- Blood is a viscous fluid, essential for transportation and regulation within the body.
- Composed primarily of formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) and plasma.
Characteristics of Blood
- Comprises about 8% of body weight.
- Average volume: Female 4-5 L, Male 5-6 L.
- Normal temperature: 38°C.
- pH range: 7.35 - 7.45.
Functions of Blood
- Transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues.
- Carries carbon dioxide and metabolic waste to lungs and kidneys for excretion.
- Regulates body temperature and maintains pH and electrolyte balance.
- Provides protection against infections and facilitates immune responses.
- Maintains hemostasis via clotting mechanisms.
Plasma Composition and Functions
- Plasma constitutes approximately 5% of body weight (around 3500 ml in a 70-kg individual).
- Made up of proteins, electrolytes, and small organic molecules.
- Major plasma proteins: Albumin (4.5 g/dl), Globulins (2.5 g/dl), Fibrinogen (0.3 g/dl).
Plasma Protein Functions
- Exerts osmotic pressure of about 25 mm Hg, helping to retain water within the blood.
- Contributes to blood's buffering capacity, maintaining pH.
- Transports hormones and various substances.
- Contains antibodies (gamma globulins), important for immunity.
- Fibrinogen and other proteins are crucial for blood clotting.
- Serves as a protein source during tissue depletion.
Hemopoiesis
- Blood cell formation occurring at various sites through development:
- Early embryonic period: yolk sac.
- After three months: liver, lymph nodes, spleen.
- Post-birth to adulthood: bone marrow.
- Active red marrow production decreases with age, shifts to flat and irregular bones by age 20.
- In pathological conditions, extramedullary hemopoiesis can occur in liver and spleen.
Factors Regulating Hemopoiesis
- Influenced by hemopoietic growth factors such as erythropoietin, colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), and interleukins (ILs).
- Erythropoietin is primarily produced in the kidneys.
Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)
- Non-nucleated, biconcave disc shape enables flexibility and gas exchange.
- Normal RBC count:
- Males: 4.5-6.5 million/mm³
- Females: 3.8-5.8 million/mm³
- Life span of RBCs is approximately 120 days.
- Important for transporting oxygen due to hemoglobin content.
Erythropoiesis
- Production of RBCs occurs predominantly in red bone marrow of flat and some long bones.
- Reticulocyte stage: Transition to mature erythrocyte takes 1-2 days; reticulocyte count typically 0.5-1.5% in adults, used as an indicator of erythropoietic activity.
- Necessary nutrients for RBC and hemoglobin production include amino acids, iron, vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid.
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Description
This quiz explores the essential characteristics and functions of blood, focusing on plasma volume, hemopoiesis, and red blood cells (RBC). Answer questions about the components of blood, its physiological roles, and the regulation of blood cell production. Test your knowledge in this critical area of the circulatory system.
