Functions and Components of Blood

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Transporting nutrients

Transporting oxygen (correct)

Regulating body temperature

Clotting blood

The ABO blood group system includes blood types A, B, AB, and O.

True

What is the main component of blood that helps in clotting?

Platelets

The process of red blood cell production occurs in the ______.

red bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Match the following blood types with their characteristics:

A = Has antigen A on RBCs B = Has antigen B on RBCs AB = Has both A and B antigens on RBCs O = Has neither A nor B antigens on RBCs Signup and view all the answers

Which blood type is considered the universal donor?

O Signup and view all the answers

A person with blood type AB can receive blood from any other blood type.

True Signup and view all the answers

What role do white blood cells play in the body?

Defense against toxins and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

The measure of red blood cell concentration in whole blood is called ______.

haematocrit Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the production of red blood cells?

Hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of white blood cells are neutrophils?

50-70% Signup and view all the answers

White blood cells contain haemoglobin.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of white blood cells respond to allergens and kill protozoa and roundworms?

Eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

During the __________ phase of hemostasis, platelets adhere to the sticky endothelial surface.

platelet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of monocytes in the blood?

Engulfing debris and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Basophils are primarily involved in the coagulation phase of blood clotting.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of white blood cells to their functions:

Neutrophils = Phagocytize bacteria Eosinophils = Attack parasites Basophils = Mediate inflammation Lymphocytes = Adaptive immune response Signup and view all the answers

Name the three phases of hemostasis.

vascular, platelet, coagulation Signup and view all the answers

White blood cells are also known as __________.

leukocytes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes white blood cells from red blood cells?

Presence of a nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of Blood

Transports gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
Regulates pH and ion levels.
Restricts fluid loss.
Defends against toxins and pathogens.
Maintains body temperature.

Components of Blood

Plasma: Makes up 55% of blood volume.
- Contains water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and gases.
- Plasma proteins include albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen.
Formed Elements: Make up 45% of blood volume.
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): Fight infections.
- Platelets: Help in blood clotting.

Red Blood Cell Production

Occurs in the red bone marrow of long bones, particularly the femur.
Develops from stem cells.
Takes about a week to mature.
Production is stimulated by hypoxia (low oxygen levels).
Iron is recycled at the end of an RBC's lifespan.

Red Blood Cells

Also known as erythrocytes.
Measured by hematocrit:
- Separates blood into layers by centrifuging.
- RBCs at the bottom, plasma on top.
- Normal values: Male 46%, Female 42%.

Blood Groups

Classified by the ABO and Rh groups.
Determined by surface antigens on red blood cells.
- Type A: A antigen only.
- Type B: B antigen only.
- Type AB: Both A and B antigens.
- Type O: Neither A nor B antigens.
Rh surface antigen:
- Present (Rh+) or absent (Rh-).
Combined to give blood groups like A+, B-, etc.

Blood Donation/Transfusion

Type O: Universal donor, lacking A and B antigens, minimizing reactions with recipient plasma.
Type AB: Universal recipient, lacking A and B antibodies, tolerating most donated blood types.
Blood is usually cross-matched before donation:
- Exposing donor RBCs to recipient plasma to check for reactions.

White Blood Cells

Also known as leukocytes.
Several types: Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes.
Possess a nucleus.
Lack hemoglobin.
Some can migrate out of the bloodstream.
Exhibit ameboid movement.
Attracted to specific chemical stimuli.

Types of White Blood Cells

Neutrophils: Most abundant WBCs, phagocytic towards bacteria, and digest them.
Eosinophils: Respond to allergens, kill protozoa, and roundworms.
Basophils: Accumulate in damaged tissues, promoting inflammation.
Monocytes: Large, engulfs debris and pathogens.
Lymphocytes: T cells, B cells, and NK cells.

Clotting Mechanism (Hemostasis)

Three phases: vascular, platelet, and coagulation.
Vascular Phase:
- Cutting a blood vessel triggers vascular spasm and endothelial changes to make the vessel sticky.
Platelet Phase:
- Platelets adhere to the sticky endothelial surface.
- Rapid platelet buildup.
Coagulation Phase:
- Delayed phase, involving a complex series of reactions.

Summary

Blood is composed of plasma and formed elements.
Blood transports substances, regulates body functions, and defends against infections.
Red blood cells transport oxygen, and their production is regulated by oxygen levels.
Blood type is determined by surface antigens and antibodies.
White blood cells protect against infections through various mechanisms.
Hemostasis (blood clotting) is a complex process with three phases.

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Description

Explore the essential functions and components of blood in this quiz. Learn about plasma, formed elements, and the role of red blood cells in oxygen transport. Understand how these components work together to maintain bodily functions.