Erythrocytes and Their Functions

What is the primary function of erythrocytes?

Carrying oxygen in the blood

Which protein is responsible for carrying oxygen in erythrocytes?

Hemoglobin

What is the composition of the erythrocyte plasmalemma?

40% lipid, 10% carbohydrate, 50% protein

What is the basis for the ABO blood typing system?

Antigenic sites on glycophorin A Signup and view all the answers

What forms a lattice bound to underlying actin filaments in erythrocytes?

Spectrin Signup and view all the answers

Where do erythrocytes frequently assume a cuplike shape according to in vivo observations?

At the angles of capillary bifurcations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the submembranous meshwork mentioned in the text?

Stabilizing the membrane and maintaining cell shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in erythrocytes?

Carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for erythrocytes?

Anaerobic glycolysis Signup and view all the answers

What causes the removal of senescent or worn-out erythrocytes from circulation?

Defects in the membrane's cytoskeletal lattice or ion transport systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of human erythrocytes in circulation?

120 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of macrophages in relation to RBCs?

Recognition and removal of senescent RBCs Signup and view all the answers

Which major groups are leukocytes divided into based on the density of their cytoplasmic granules?

Granulocytes and agranulocytes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes granulocytes from agranulocytes?

Presence of distinct lobes in the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic feature of granulocytes?

Abundant cytoplasmic granules Signup and view all the answers

How do granulocytes generate energy for their needs?

Depend largely on glycolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated lifespan of granulocytes?

Only a few days Signup and view all the answers

What happens to most granulocytes in the connective tissue?

Undergo apoptosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of macrophages in removing cellular debris?

They remove the debris without causing an inflammatory response Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the nucleus in agranulocytes?

Spherical Signup and view all the answers

What causes leukocytes to slow down and attach to the endothelium in venules?

P-selectin on endothelial cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when leukocytes send extensions through the openings between endothelial cells?

Diapedesis Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the attraction of neutrophils to bacteria?

Chemotaxis Signup and view all the answers

Where do leukocytes migrate during diapedesis?

Out of the venules into the surrounding tissue space Signup and view all the answers

What is released from various sources to trigger loosening of intercellular junctions in endothelial cells?

Cytokines Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of P-selectin in the interaction between leukocytes and endothelial cells?

Causes leukocytes to slow down and attach to the endothelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of leukocytes in healthy adults per microliter of blood?

4000-10000 Signup and view all the answers

What do all leukocytes contribute to in the body?

Defense against invading microorganisms and tissue repair Signup and view all the answers