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What is the primary function of the circulatory system?
Blood is composed of only red and white blood cells.
False
What is the primary transport medium in the circulatory system?
Blood
The three main proteins in blood plasma are _____, _____, and _____.
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Match the following blood components with their primary functions:
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Which component of blood is responsible for restricting fluid loss?
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Red blood cells have a nucleus.
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What is the primary type of muscle in the heart?
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Blood plasma is approximately _____% water.
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Which of the following is NOT a component of formed elements in blood?
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What is the primary function of carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells?
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Erythropoietin is released in response to high oxygen levels.
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What are the two vitamins necessary for DNA synthesis in red blood cell production?
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The percentage of red blood cells in blood is referred to as __________.
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Match the type of white blood cell with its function:
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for the destruction of red blood cells?
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Polycythemia is defined as a reduction of hemoglobin in the blood.
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What is the normal range of red blood cells per mm3 in men?
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The majority of carbon dioxide transported in the blood is in the form of __________.
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Which white blood cell type is the most numerous and responsible for phagocytizing bacteria?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- The circulatory system is a critical transport system within the body.
- It plays a vital role in body defenses, the coagulation process, and temperature regulation.
- Key components include:
- Blood: the primary transport medium.
- Blood vessels: Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins carry blood back to the heart, and capillaries facilitate exchange between blood and tissues.
- Heart: the muscular organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
- Composed of cardiac muscle, which contracts simultaneously due to synchronized depolarization.
- Exhibits automaticity, meaning it can initiate its own contractions.
Blood
- Blood is a complex connective tissue, a mixture of cells, chemicals, and fluid.
- It plays a crucial role in transporting substances throughout the body and maintaining a stable internal environment.
- The blood includes:
- Red blood cells (also known as erythrocytes)
- White blood cells (also known as leukocytes)
- Platelets (also known as thrombocytes)
- Plasma
Blood Plasma
- Straw-colored, sticky fluid portion of blood.
- Approximately 90% water.
- Contains:
- Ions: Notably, sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions.
- Nutrients: Sugars, amino acids, lipids, cholesterol, vitamins, and trace elements.
- Three main proteins:
- Albumin (60% of total)
- Globulin (35% of total)
- Fibrinogen (4% of total)
- Dissolved Gasses: Including oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Waste Products: Protein wastes such as urea and bilirubin.
Functions of Blood
- Transportation: Blood transports dissolved gases (O2, CO2), nutrients, hormones, and metabolic wastes.
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Protection: Blood helps to restrict fluid loss through damaged vessels and plays a role in protecting against foreign substances.
- Platelets and clotting proteins work together to minimize blood loss during injury.
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Regulation:
- Blood regulates the pH and electrolyte composition of interstitial fluids.
- Blood helps regulate body temperature.
Formed Elements
- These are the cellular components of blood.
- Include:
- Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)
- Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
- Platelets (Thrombocytes)
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) / Erythrocytes
- Most abundant type of blood cell (99% of all blood cells).
- Structure:
- Biconcave, anucleate (lacking a nucleus).
- Approximately 8 micrometers in diameter.
- Components:
- Hemoglobin: The protein responsible for oxygen transport.
- Lipids: Important for cell membrane structure.
- ATP: Provides energy for cell function.
- Carbonic anhydrase: Enzyme critical for CO2 transport and pH balance.
Functions of Red Blood Cells
- Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport: Red blood cells primarily transport oxygen, with hemoglobin binding to it.
- Carbon Dioxide Transport: The majority of CO2 is transported in the blood as bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
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pH Homeostasis:
- Carbonic anhydrase converts carbon dioxide and water into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, helping to regulate blood pH.
- The reaction: CO2 + H2O → HCO3- + H+
- Flexibility: Red blood cells are flexible and can bend to pass through small capillaries.
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Destruction: Old and damaged red blood cells are primarily destroyed in the spleen.
- Phagocytic white blood cells then clear the debris.
Hematocrit
- The percentage of red blood cells in a sample of blood.
- Normal hematocrit values:
- Men: Around 5 million cells per cubic millimeter
- Women: Around 4.5 million cells per cubic millimeter
Regulation of Red Blood Cell Production
- The total number of red blood cells is tightly controlled through a negative feedback mechanism involving erythropoietin.
- Erythropoietin is a hormone primarily secreted by the kidneys and liver in response to low oxygen levels.
- Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow.
Dietary Factors Affecting Red Blood Cell Production:
- Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Essential for DNA synthesis, vital for cell division, particularly important for hematopoietic tissue.
- Iron: Needed for hemoglobin synthesis, as it is a key component of the heme group which binds oxygen.
Red Blood Cell Diseases
- Anemia: Characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cell concentration in the blood. This can lead to oxygen deficiency.
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Polycythemia: An excess of red blood cells.
- Usually caused by cancer, tissue hypoxia (low oxygen in the body), or dehydration.
- Can also occur naturally at high altitudes.
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Description
Explore the essential components of the circulatory system in this informative quiz. Learn about the roles of blood, blood vessels, and the heart in maintaining bodily functions and defense mechanisms. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact and contribute to your overall health.
