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Questions and Answers
What is considered the normal range for red blood cells (RBC)?
White blood cells (WBC) have a normal range of 4 - 6 million.
False
What is the life span of red blood cells?
120 days
What major vitamin is necessary for the maturation of red blood cells?
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Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of ______.
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What surgical procedure can lead to pernicious anemia due to lack of intrinsic factor?
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What are some common causes of pernicious anemia?
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What is the process of red blood cell production called?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Study Notes
Hematology Basics
- Hematology is the study of blood and its components.
- Blood consists of solid components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) and liquid components (plasma).
Red Blood Cells
- Normal red blood cell count (RBC) is 4-6 million/mm3.
- Erythrocytes are another name for red blood cells.
- Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) stimulates red blood cell production, a process called erythropoiesis.
- The lifespan of a red blood cell is 120 days.
Red Blood Cell Production
- Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell production.
- Hypoxia stimulates the kidneys to produce erythropoietin.
- Erythropoietin travels to the bone marrow, where it stimulates stem cells to create red blood cells.
Anemia
- Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells.
- Anemia results in a decrease in hemoglobin, impacting the blood's oxygen carrying capacity.
Megaloblastic Anemia
- Characterized by large, poorly functioning, immature red blood cells called reticulocytes.
- These reticulocytes fail to mature and die prematurely.
- Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and/or folic acid.
Pernicious Anemia
- Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
- It can lead to neurological damage if untreated for longer than 6 months.
Causes of Pernicious Anemia
- Diet:
- Inadequate intake of vitamin B12, commonly from animal products.
- Vegetarian diets can contribute if not appropriately supplemented.
- Gastrectomy:
- Surgical removal of the stomach, which produces intrinsic factor.
- Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the ileum.
- Ileostomy:
- Surgical opening in the ileum, part of the small intestine.
- This surgery can disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 Absorption
- Vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor in the stomach.
- The complex of vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor is absorbed in the ileum.
- Any disruption in this process can lead to pernicious anemia.
Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia
- Fatigue: Individuals feel tired easily, even with minimal effort.
- Anorexia: Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Palor: A pale complexion due to the low red blood cell count.
- Paralysis: Can occur due to the neurological damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of hematology, including the components of blood, red blood cell production, and conditions like anemia. This quiz covers essential concepts such as erythropoiesis and the characteristics of different types of anemia.
