Human Biology – Blood Functions and Composition

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Questions and Answers

What blood type is considered the universal donor?

Type O- (correct)

Type AB

Type A

Type B

What condition can arise when an Rh-negative mother carries a second Rh-positive fetus?

Erythrocytosis

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) (correct)

Polycythemia vera

Thrombocytopenia

Which statement is true regarding Rh factor compatibility?

All Rh-negative individuals can receive Rh-positive blood without issues.

Rh-negative blood is suitable for Rh-positive recipients. (correct)

Rh-positive blood has no antigens.

Rh-positive blood can be donated to Rh-negative recipients.

What is the primary use of whole blood transfusions?

To replace lost blood volume from serious injuries Signup and view all the answers

How long can blood be stored in blood banks?

Up to 35 days Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by a clot that remains where it is formed?

Thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of blood in the human body?

Protection from foreign invaders Signup and view all the answers

Which blood type can universally receive blood from any donor?

Type AB Signup and view all the answers

What reaction occurs when the antibodies in the plasma interact with incompatible blood type antigens?

Agglutination Signup and view all the answers

Which component of plasma makes up the majority of its composition?

Water Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood contains anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma?

Type O Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range of blood, indicating its alkaline nature?

7.35 to 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of a mismatch during a blood transfusion?

Agglutination and hemolysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following formed elements is responsible for oxygen transport?

Red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of antigens do red blood cells from a Type B individual contain?

B antigens Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the process that prevents excessive bleeding?

Hemostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of an embolus dislodging from its original site?

Blocked blood flow to vital organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of leukocytes in the blood?

Defending against infections Signup and view all the answers

In which component of blood are antibodies primarily found?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

What can result from an abnormality in blood cell production or destruction?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of Rh incompatibility?

Hemolytic disease of the newborn Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hemolytic anemia?

Excessive loss or destruction of red cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemia is specifically associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12?

Pernicious anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of myelogenous leukemia?

Enormous increase in white blood cells from bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders involves impaired blood coagulation?

Hemophilia Signup and view all the answers

What does a complete blood count primarily assess?

The overall health of white and red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leukocyte is primarily responsible for combating bacterial infections?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Transport respiratory gases Signup and view all the answers

Where in the body are most blood cells produced?

Red bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about erythrocytes is true?

They have a biconcave disk shape. Signup and view all the answers

What role do basophils play in the immune response?

Releasing histamine Signup and view all the answers

What primary function do platelets (thrombocytes) serve in the body?

Facilitate blood clotting Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes agranulocytes?

They consist of lymphocytes and monocytes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hemostasis' refer to?

Process of blood clotting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of lymphocytes?

Engulfing large pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which formed element of blood is known for not having a nucleus?

Erythrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Functions

Blood is fluid tissue containing dissolved chemicals and millions of cells.
It's the primary transport fluid, responsible for pickup, delivery, and protection from invaders.

Blood Composition & Volume

Blood is comprised of two main components: plasma and formed elements.
Plasma, the liquid portion (extracellular), is roughly 55% of whole blood and mainly water (91%).
Formed elements (cellular components) account for about 45% and consist of various cells (e.g., erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets).

Blood Plasma

Plasma (excluding formed elements) is primarily water (91%) with essential substances for cell survival.
It contains proteins like albumins, clotting factors, antibodies, and complement.
Waste products from cells travel through plasma to excretory organs.

Formed Elements

Three main types: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
Erythrocytes: responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, are biconcave disks, lack a nucleus and have hemoglobin.
Leukocytes (white blood cells): defend against pathogens, have different types (granular: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils; agranular: lymphocytes, monocytes).
Platelets (thrombocytes): essential for blood clotting, lack nuclei and DNA.

Blood Cell Formation

Blood cells are produced in red bone marrow (myeloid tissue) and lymphatic tissue (lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen).
Hematopoietic stem cells are the parent cells of all blood cells, continuously divide and differentiate.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin, located in red blood cells, transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Plays a role in regulating the acid-base balance of the blood.

Blood Production Regulation

Blood oxygen levels are monitored by the kidneys.
When oxygen levels are low, the kidneys release erythropoietin, stimulating red blood cell production in bone marrow.

Types of White Blood Cells

Granulocytes: characterized by granules in their cytoplasm.
- Neutrophils are highly phagocytic; increase in bacterial infections.
- Eosinophils: defense against parasites.
- Basophils: release histamine and heparin, involved in allergic reactions.
Agranulocytes: lack granules in their cytoplasm.
- Lymphocytes: diverse immune actions involving T and B cells.
- Monocytes: differentiate into macrophages in tissues, performing phagocytosis.

Platelets and Blood Clotting

Platelets are essential in blood clotting and play a vital role in the hemostasis process.
Hemostasis is a three-stage process: vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Blood Clotting Steps

Damage to a blood vessel causes the release of clotting factors.
Platelets become sticky at the site and form a plug.
Prothrombin activator leads to thrombin converting fibrinogen to fibrin, creating the blood clot.

Blood Disorders

Anemia: low hemoglobin or a deficiency in red blood cells; causes include excessive loss or destruction of red blood cells or impairment in production (e.g., iron deficiency).
Leukemia: an increase in immature white blood cells; often cancerous.
Clotting disorders are characterized by excessive bleeding due to a disruption in the coagulation process. (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease)

Blood Types

Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on red blood cells and corresponding antibodies in the plasma.
ABO system: A, B, AB, and O types.
Rh factor: Rh+ or Rh-. Rh incompatibility during pregnancy can cause erythroblastosis fetalis.

Blood Transfusions

Rh-negative blood can be safely donated to Rh-positive recipients.
Rh-positive blood cannot be donated to Rh-negative recipients, as the recipient's antibodies will attack the donor's blood.
O- is the universal blood donor, and AB+ is the universal recipient (blood type).

Blood Studies

Complete blood counts, hematocrit, blood smears, blood chemistry tests, coagulation studies, and bone marrow studies help diagnose various blood disorders.

Blood Use & Components

Whole blood and blood components are used in transfusions to replace blood volume, treat circulatory failure or deficiencies, and to provide needed antibodies.

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Description

Explore the essential functions and components of human blood in this quiz. Learn about the roles of plasma and formed elements, as well as the makeup of this vital fluid. Test your knowledge on how blood facilitates transport and protection in the body.