40 Questions
What is the main function of albumins in plasma?
To maintain normal plasma osmotic pressure and act as carrier molecules for free fatty acids, some drugs, and steroid hormones.
What is the main function of globulins in plasma?
To act as antibodies (immunoglobulins), transport some hormones and mineral salts, and inhibit some proteolytic enzymes.
What is the main function of clotting factors in plasma?
Responsible for coagulation of blood.
What is the main function of electrolytes in plasma?
They have a range of functions including muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and maintenance of acid-base balance.
What is the main function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?
The transport of gas, mainly oxygen, and some carbon dioxide.
What is the main function of white blood cells (leukocytes)?
To participate in the body's immune response.
What is the main function of platelets (thrombocytes)?
To aid in blood clotting.
What is the process of blood cell formation called?
Haemopoiesis
What are the components transported by blood?
oxygen, nutrients, hormones, heat, antibodies, cells of the immune system, clotting factors, and wastes
What is the composition of plasma and the cell fraction in blood?
Plasma constitutes 55% of the volume of blood, and the cell fraction constitutes 45%.
How can blood cells and plasma be separated?
Blood cells and plasma can be separated by centrifugation (spinning) or by simple gravity when blood is allowed to stand.
What proportion of body weight does blood make up?
Blood makes up about 7% of body weight.
How does the total blood volume vary between males and females?
The total blood volume is about 80 mL/kg body weight in males and 70 mL/kg in females.
What maintains a fairly constant environment for body cells?
The continual blood flow maintains a fairly constant environment for body cells.
How is heat distributed around the body?
Heat produced from metabolically active organs is distributed around the body by the bloodstream, maintaining core body temperature.
What is the approximate blood volume in adults?
The total blood volume in adults is about 80 mL/kg body weight in males and 70 mL/kg in females.
What is the process of erythrocyte development from stem cells called?
Erythropoiesis
What is the term for when all four oxygen-binding sites on a haemoglobin molecule are full?
Saturated
What is the primary stimulus for increased erythropoiesis?
Hypoxia
What is the hormone that regulates red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin
What is the lifespan of erythrocytes?
About 120 days
What is formed from the haem part of the haemoglobin as it breaks down?
Biliverdin
What is the term for rising white cell numbers in the bloodstream?
Leukocytosis
What is the specialized role of eosinophils?
Elimination of parasites
What are the main substances contained in the cytoplasmic granules of basophils?
Heparin and histamine
What is the main function of mast cells?
Degranulate within seconds of binding an allergen
What is the main action of monocytes in the body?
Actively motile and phagocytic
What is the main function of macrophages?
Actively phagocytic and synthesise and release cytokines
What are the main locations where lymphocytes are found?
In tissues, including lymphatic tissue such as lymph nodes and the spleen
What is the main function of platelets in the body?
Promote blood clotting and haemostasis
What is the role of vasoconstriction in the process of haemostasis?
To reduce or stop blood flow through the damaged vessel
What is the main function of the enzyme thrombin in the blood clotting process?
Convert inactive fibrinogen to insoluble threads of fibrin
What is the function of vitamin K in blood clotting?
Vitamin K is essential for synthesis of factors II, VII, IX and X.
What triggers the intrinsic pathway of blood clotting?
The intrinsic pathway is triggered when blood comes into contact with damaged blood vessel lining (endothelium).
What is the first stage of thrombolysis?
The breakdown of fibrin, or fibrinolysis, is the first stage of thrombolysis.
What promotes the continuation of several self-perpetuating blood clotting processes?
Positive feedback mechanisms promote the continuation of self-perpetuating blood clotting processes.
What prevents platelet adhesion in healthy, undamaged blood vessels?
The perfect smoothness of normal blood vessel lining prevents platelet adhesion in healthy, undamaged blood vessels.
What are the chemicals released from damaged tissue that initiate coagulation?
Thromboplastin or tissue factor initiates coagulation when released from damaged tissue.
What converts plasminogen to the enzyme plasmin in thrombolysis?
Activators released from the damaged endothelial cells convert plasminogen to the enzyme plasmin in thrombolysis.
What are the anticoagulants that rapidly deactivate activated clotting factors?
Heparin and antithrombin III are anticoagulants that rapidly deactivate activated clotting factors.
Test your knowledge on the process of erythrocyte development from stem cells, including the stages of erythropoiesis, release of reticulocytes, and maturation into erythrocytes. This quiz covers the transformation of immature cells into mature red blood cells within the bloodstream.
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