Hematopoietic System and Blood Functions

A system responsible for producing blood cells, including leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes, primarily within the bone marrow.

Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs.

Blood transports nutrients absorbed from the digestive system to the body's tissues.

Blood carries waste products, like urea and uric acid, to the kidneys for excretion.

Blood contains white blood cells, antibodies, and antitoxins that defend the body against infection and injury.

Blood helps regulate body temperature, pH, and water balance.

The typical human blood volume is approximately 5-6 liters in a 70 kg individual.

The liquid component of blood, which is about 55% of total blood volume.

Plasma is primarily water (90%), with inorganic constituents (1%), and organic constituents (9%). Organic constituents include plasma proteins (7%), nutrients and waste products (2%).

Plasma proteins are crucial for various functions, including blood clotting and maintaining osmotic pressure. A major fraction are produced by the liver.

Normal blood pH ranges from 7.38-7.40 in both arterial and venous blood.

Blood viscosity is roughly 5 times greater than water, due to the presence of blood cells (primarily red blood cells) and plasma proteins.

Red blood cells transport oxygen to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide.

Iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen.

Biconcave discs for maximum surface area for oxygen.

About 120 days in healthy individuals.

Process of RBC production.

Removed from circulation by macrophages in spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

Plasma proteins help with blood clotting, immunity, transport, blood volume, buffering, and blood pressure.

Blood's thickness due to RBCs and plasma proteins.

RBC plays roles to maintain/keep PH in blood.

Conditions like autoimmune gastritis, stomach removal, pancreatitis, and certain medications (especially long-term proton pump inhibitors) can hinder vitamin B12 absorption.

A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet, such as in vegetarians or malnourished individuals, can lead to deficiency.

A common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, stemming from the body's inability to produce or use intrinsic factor (IF).

A stomach protein crucial for binding and absorbing vitamin B12 in the intestines.

A condition where the body lacks sufficient vitamin B12, leading to anemia and potential neurological problems.

A type of anemia characterized by large, immature red blood cells, often associated with B12 deficiency.

Damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, a potential symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Part of the immune system that protects the body from infection; found in blood, and produced in bone marrow.

Red blood cells (RBCs) typically live for about 120 days.

Healthy adult men have a hemoglobin concentration of 16-18 g/dL, while for women it is 14-16 g/dL.

Hemoglobin is made of four heme groups, each containing an iron atom that binds to oxygen, and four protein globin chains.

The process of creating red blood cells from primitive stem cells.

Maturing RBCs shrink in size, lose their nucleus, and gain hemoglobin.

A hormone made mostly by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells when oxygen levels are low (hypoxia).

Low oxygen levels in the blood.

Iron, proteins, and vitamins (like B12 and folic acid) are crucial for healthy red blood cell production.

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Hormones like erythropoietin, thyroxine, and androgens, influence RBC production though not as specific as erythropoietin.

The site where red blood cells are produced (erythropoiesis).

Proteins, especially animal ones (liver, kidney, muscle), are crucial for building hemoglobin's globin part

A condition where the blood's ability to carry oxygen is reduced, typically due to a lower number of red blood cells (RBCs), less hemoglobin per RBC, or a combination of both.

Anemia caused by losing blood, either acutely (sudden, large loss) or chronically (ongoing, small losses, e.g., bleeding ulcers, heavy menstruation).

Anemia resulting from problems producing enough red blood cells, such as nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency), bone marrow damage (aplastic anemia), or issues with vitamin B12 or folate.

Anemia caused by red blood cells breaking down faster than they are produced, such as due to inherited conditions, infections (e.g., malaria), incompatible blood transfusions, or immune system issues.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't get or absorb enough iron. This can be due to increased iron needs (e.g., pregnancy, blood loss, rapid growth) or inadequate iron supply (e.g., poor diet, malabsorption).

Spoon-shaped nails are a visible sign of iron deficiency anemia.

Anemia caused by insufficient vitamin B12, which is needed for DNA synthesis in red blood cells.

The bone marrow produces red blood cells and most other blood cells. Damage can cause severe anemia.

A type of anemia characterized by bone marrow damage causing deficiency of all blood cells