Functions of Blood

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of T lymphocytes?

Concerned with cellular immunity (correct)

Concerned with humoral immunity

Concerned with blood clotting

Concerned with transporting oxygen

What is the diameter of large lymphocytes?

7-10 µ

10-12 µ (correct)

12-15 µ

5-7 µ

What is the function of platelets in blood?

Defending against infections

Blood clotting and hemostasis (correct)

Carrying oxygen to tissues

Regulating body temperature

What is the main function of albumin in plasma proteins?

Maintaining osmotic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of globulins in plasma proteins?

Defending against infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fibrinogen in plasma proteins?

Coagulating blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of activated platelets?

Oval or disc-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of adhesiveness in platelets?

Sticking to rough surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of oxygen is transported in the blood in the form of oxyhemoglobin?

97% Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of carbonic anhydrase in RBCs?

To form bicarbonate from water and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of a normal RBC?

7.5 µ Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of hemoglobin in RBCs?

To transport oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide is transported in the form of bicarbonate?

63% Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of RBCs in blood group determination?

To carry blood group antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of WBCs compared to RBCs?

They are larger in size and lesser in number Signup and view all the answers

Which mammal has nucleated RBCs?

Camel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Transport of respiratory gases Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal shape of red blood cells?

Disk-shaped and biconcave Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of neutrophils and monocytes in defense?

Phagocytosis of bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate range of red blood cell count in adult males per cubic millimeter of blood?

4-5 millions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of eosinophils in defense?

Detoxification and removal of foreign proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lymphocytes in defense?

Development of immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of the biconcave shape of red blood cells?

Minimal tension on the membrane during volume changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of red blood cells in the transport of respiratory gases?

Transport of both oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Functions

Blood serves as a readymade source of substances during conditions like starvation, fluid loss, electrolyte loss, etc.
Blood plays a crucial role in defense, with white blood cells responsible for this function.
Neutrophils and monocytes engulf bacteria through phagocytosis, while lymphocytes are involved in developing immunity.
Eosinophils are responsible for detoxification, disintegration, and removal of foreign proteins.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

RBCs are non-nucleated formed elements in the blood, also known as erythrocytes.
The red color of RBCs is due to the presence of hemoglobin.
RBCs play a vital role in transporting respiratory gases.
RBCs are larger in number compared to white blood cells and platelets.

Normal Values of RBCs

RBC count ranges between 4 and 5.5 million per cubic millimeter of blood.
In adult males, it is 5 million/cu mm, and in adult females, it is 4.5 million/cu mm.

Morphology of RBCs

Normally, RBCs are disk-shaped and biconcave (dumbbell-shaped).
The central portion is thinner, and the periphery is thicker.
The biconcave contour of RBCs has mechanical and functional advantages, including:
- Equal and rapid diffusion of oxygen and other substances into the interior of the cell.
- Large surface area for absorption or removal of different substances.
- Minimal tension on the membrane when the volume of the cell alters.
- Easy passage through minute capillaries without getting damaged.

Normal Size and Structure of RBCs

Diameter: 7.5 µ (6.9-7.4 µ).
Thickness: 2.2 µ at the periphery and 1 µ at the center.
Surface area: 120 square µ.
Volume: 85-90 cu µ.
RBCs are non-nucleated formed elements in the blood, except in camels.
Because of the absence of a nucleus, DNA is also absent, along with other organelles like mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus.

Functions of RBCs

Transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
Transport of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.
Buffering action in blood to regulate hydrogen ion concentration and maintain acid-base balance.
Involvement in blood group determination, carrying blood group antigens like A, B, and Rh factor.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

WBCs or leukocytes are colorless and nucleated formed elements of blood.
Compared to RBCs, WBCs are larger in size and lesser in number.
Functionally, WBCs are important, and they include:
- Lymphocytes, which are divided into two groups depending on size: large lymphocytes and small lymphocytes.
- Lymphocytes can also be divided into two types depending on function: T lymphocytes (cellular immunity) and B lymphocytes (humoral immunity).

Platelets

Platelets or thrombocytes are small, colorless, moderately refractive bodies.
They are considered to be fragments of cytoplasm.
Platelets are of various shapes and can become oval or disc-shaped when activated.
They measure about 2.5 um in diameter and about 7.5 cuum in volume.

Properties of Platelets

Adhesiveness: Sticking to rough surfaces, promoted by collagen, thrombin, thromboxane A2, ADP, and calcium.
Aggregation: Grouping together and becoming sticky, promoted by ADP, thromboxane A2, and platelet activation factor (PAF).
Agglutination: Clumping together, promoted by agglutinins and PAF.

Functions of Platelets

Blood clotting.
Clot retraction.
Defense.
Repair of ruptured blood vessels.
Hemostasis.

Plasma Proteins

Albumin: 4.7 g/dl.
Globulins: 2.3 g/dl.
Fibrinogen: 0.3 g/dl.
Total protein: 6.4-8.3 g/dl.

Functions of Plasma Proteins

Coagulation.
Defense.
Transport.
Maintenance of osmotic pressure of the blood.
Regulation of acid-base balance.
Nutrient reserve.
Suspension stability of RBCs.
Viscosity of blood.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

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Description

This quiz covers the various functions of blood, including its role in defense, transportation, and regulation of bodily processes.