Human Biology: Immune System and Blood Cells
45 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of T cells in the immune response?

  • Mount immune response via antibodies
  • Phagocytosis
  • Develop into macrophages
  • Direct cell attack (correct)

What distinguishes leukocytes from erythrocytes in terms of life span?

  • Erythrocytes have a life span of days
  • Leukocytes live for hours to years (correct)
  • Erythrocytes live for months
  • Leukocytes have a life span of days to weeks

Which statement best explains the effect of chemotherapy on blood cells?

  • It disrupts the development of normal blood cells (correct)
  • It has no impact on normal fast-growing cells
  • It enhances the growth of leukocytes while killing cancerous cells
  • It selectively targets only leukocytes and leaves other cells unharmed

What is the main structural feature of erythrocytes that facilitates gas exchange?

<p>Highly flexible biconcave disc shape (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is primarily responsible for developing into macrophages?

<p>Monocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure?

<p>Albumin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of γ globulins in the plasma?

<p>Bind to foreign substances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leukocyte is responsible for phagocytizing bacteria?

<p>Neutrophils (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein is converted into a fibrin network for clot formation?

<p>Fibrinogen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan of eosinophils in the bloodstream?

<p>8-12 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which leukocyte lack obvious granules in their cytoplasm?

<p>Agranulocytes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of prothrombin in the body?

<p>Blood clotting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of albumin?

<p>Bind foreign substances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which blood group contains no agglutinins in the plasma?

<p>Blood group AB (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population is estimated to be Rh-positive?

<p>85% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the hemostasis process?

<p>Vasoconstriction of the injured blood vessel (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is NOT a vasoconstrictor released during vascular spasms?

<p>Histamine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise during a second pregnancy for an Rh-negative mother who did not receive Rhogam after her first delivery?

<p>Erythroblastosis fetalis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which blood group has both A and B agglutinogen present on the red blood cells?

<p>Blood group AB (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of hemostasis?

<p>To prevent excessive blood loss (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the hemostasis process?

<p>Vascular dilation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many heme groups are present in a single hemoglobin molecule?

<p>Four (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the life span of a red blood cell?

<p>120 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which protein chains are present in hemoglobin?

<p>Two alpha and two beta chains (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide in the blood is bound to the globin moiety?

<p>5% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a nonprotein component of hemoglobin responsible for binding oxygen?

<p>Heme (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical red blood cell count range for females?

<p>4.2-5.2 million cells/mm3 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is erythropoiesis?

<p>Formation of red blood cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating erythropoiesis in response to decreased oxygen supply?

<p>Erythropoietin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is essential for hemoglobin synthesis?

<p>Iron (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of erythropoiesis in adults?

<p>Red bone marrow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to anemia?

<p>Decrease in RBC count (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Vitamin C play in erythropoiesis?

<p>It enhances iron absorption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of blood groups in the ABO system?

<p>Presence of agglutinogens on RBCs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of erythropoietin is to stimulate which of the following processes?

<p>Stimulate RBC formation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients plays a crucial role in RBC maturation and is predominantly found in red meat?

<p>Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the adherence of platelets to collagen during platelet plug formation?

<p>von Willebrand factor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct effect of thromboxane A2 on the vascular system?

<p>Causes vasoconstriction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the coagulation process after platelet plug formation?

<p>Prothrombin activator is formed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of plasmin in the context of hemostasis?

<p>To dissolve fibrin in a formed clot (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which anticoagulant is known to be extracted from animal sources?

<p>Heparin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of excess fibrinolysis in the vascular system?

<p>Increased risk of bleeding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin's antagonists are utilized to decrease certain coagulation factors?

<p>Vitamin K (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in the process of fibrinolysis?

<p>To convert plasminogen to plasmin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Albumin

A major type of plasma protein responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting smaller molecules like hormones and ions.

Globulins

A group of plasma proteins with diverse functions, including transporting hormones, fats, and vitamins, and containing antibodies for immunity.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein essential for blood clotting, converting into fibrin to create a mesh-like network for clot formation.

Prothrombin

A plasma protein involved in the blood clotting cascade, activated to form thrombin, a key enzyme in clot formation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Serum

A yellowish liquid component of blood that is plasma lacking clotting factors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Granulocytes

White blood cells that contain specialized membrane-bound cytoplasmic granules, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without obvious granules in their cytoplasm, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cells that engulf and destroy bacteria, acting as a primary defense against infection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are responsible for mounting an immune response, either by directly attacking infected cells (T cells) or by producing antibodies (B cells).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monocytes

White blood cells that engulf and destroy foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. They also help to clean up cellular debris.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Leukopenia during Chemotherapy

A decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood, often caused by chemotherapy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hemoglobin

The protein found in red blood cells that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide. It gives blood its red color.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Erythropoiesis

The process of creating new red blood cells, essential for oxygen transport throughout the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced primarily by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anemia

A condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, or both, resulting in reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agglutinogens

Chemical markers found on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agglutinins

Antibodies present in the plasma of the blood that react with specific agglutinogens on red blood cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

ABO blood group system

A blood group system that classifies blood based on the presence or absence of A and B agglutinogens and their corresponding antibodies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bone marrow

The site of red blood cell production in the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

The primary function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A molecule that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Each Hb molecule has four protein chains called globins and four heme groups, each holding an iron atom that binds oxygen.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Heme

A non-protein component of hemoglobin, consisting of a porphyrin ring with a central ferrous ion. The heme group is responsible for binding oxygen to the hemoglobin molecule.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Red Blood Cell Count

A measure of the number of red blood cells in a volume of blood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Red Blood Cell Lifespan

The time a red blood cell lives before being removed from the body. It's about 120 days.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport

The main function of red blood cells, transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues, and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Buffering

Red blood cells can help maintain the pH balance of blood, acting as a buffer.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rh System

This system categorizes blood based on the presence or absence of the Rh D antigen on red blood cell membranes. Blood with the D antigen is Rh+, while blood without is Rh-.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rh D Antigen

This is the antigen responsible for determining Rh blood group. Its presence makes blood Rh+, while its absence makes it Rh-.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hemostasis

This is the process that stops bleeding by forming a blood clot, effectively sealing the damaged blood vessel.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Platelet Plug

A temporary plug formed by platelets that adheres to the damaged blood vessel, contributing to the stoppage of bleeding

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vasoconstriction

This refers to the blood vessel narrowing in response to injury, restricting blood flow and aiding in the clotting process.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the role of platelets in hemostasis?

Platelets adhere to exposed collagen, releasing ADP, serotonin, and thromboxane A2. These substances cause vasoconstriction and further activate platelets, creating a temporary plug to stop bleeding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the purpose of coagulation?

The process of blood clotting involves a series of enzymatic reactions ultimately converting fibrinogen into fibrin, forming a mesh-like network that traps red blood cells and platelets, solidifying the clot.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the process of fibrinolysis?

Fibrinolysis is the process of dissolving a blood clot by breaking down fibrin, using the enzyme plasmin. It prevents blood clots from becoming too large and blocking blood vessels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the final three steps of the coagulation cascade?

Prothrombin activator is formed, prothrombin is converted to thrombin, and finally, thrombin catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. The fibrin mesh traps red blood cells and platelets, forming the blood clot.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are some examples of clinical anticoagulants?

Heparin is a naturally derived anticoagulant, while Coumarins (like Warfarin) are synthetic anticoagulants that work by inhibiting vitamin K, which is crucial for the synthesis of clotting factors. These drugs reduce the risk of blood clots.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How are blood clots prevented outside the body?

Oxalate, Citrate, and EDTA are chemicals that prevent blood clotting outside the body by decreasing the concentration of calcium ions, which are essential for the coagulation process.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the consequences of an imbalance between clotting and fibrinolysis?

An excess of clotting would lead to an accumulation of blood clots in blood vessels, obstructing blood flow, while an excess of fibrinolysis would result in increased bleeding due to the rapid breakdown of clots.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How is plasminogen activated to break down fibrin?

Plasminogen is a protein that exists in the blood and can be activated by streptokinase, urokinase, or tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) to form plasmin. Plasmin breaks down fibrin, allowing for clot dissolution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Blood Physiology and Pathophysiology

  • Blood is a liquid connective tissue, approximately 8% of total body weight in a 70 kg man
  • Blood volume is roughly 5-6 liters in men and 4-5 liters in women
  • Blood is composed of plasma (55%) and formed elements (45%)
  • Plasma is primarily water (90%) with organic and inorganic components and dissolved gases
  • Formed elements include Erythrocytes (RBCs), Leukocytes (WBCs), and Thrombocytes (Platelets)

Objectives

  • Describe cellular and non-cellular components of blood
  • Recognize blood functions
  • Define erythropoiesis, leucopoiesis, and thrombopoiesis
  • Identify RBC formation sites at different developmental ages
  • Describe RBC maturation stages
  • Describe RBC maturation
  • Describe RBC production regulation in response to hypoxia and erythropoietin hormone secretion
  • Identify clinical conditions associated with high levels of erythropoietin in the blood

Components of Blood

  • Plasma: 55% by volume, containing water (91%), proteins (7%), and other solutes (2%)
  • Formed Elements: 45% by volume, including:
    • Erythrocytes (RBCs): 4-6 million/µl (in males); 4-5 million/µl (in females)
    • Leukocytes (WBCs): 4,000-11,000/µl
    • Thrombocytes (Platelets): 150,000-400,000/µl

Blood Composition and Hematocrit

  • Hematocrit: percentage of RBCs in whole blood. (Normal values vary by sex due to hormonal influences)

Functions of Blood

  • Transport: Gases, nutrients, hormones, waste products
  • Regulation: Acid-base balance, blood pressure
  • Defense: Against infection through white blood cells and the immune system. Hemostasis (blood clotting)

The Plasma

  • Plasma constitutes 55% of blood volume
  • Plasma is a yellow, clear fluid
  • On standing, it clots. The remaining fluid is called serum.
  • Serum is the plasma from which the clotting elements have been removed
  • Composed of 90% water, 9% organic constituents, and inorganic constituents and blood gases

Plasma Proteins

  • Albumin: Major contributor to plasma osmotic pressure, transport of various molecules; found in the liver (50% in the liver and 50% in lymphocytes)
  • Globulins: Transport hormones and fat-soluble vitamins; produced by liver and other cells (50% in the liver and 50% in lymphocytes)
  • Fibrinogen: Essential in blood clotting; produced by the liver
  • Prothrombin: Essential in blood clotting; produced by the liver

Specific Functions of Plasma Proteins

  • Albumin: Maintains osmotic pressure, transports hormones and ions
  • Globulins: Transport hormones, fat-soluble vitamins; antibodies (gamma globulins) bind foreign substances
  • Fibrinogen: Converted into fibrin to form blood clots
  • Prothrombin: Involved in blood clotting

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

  • 4,000–11,000/µl
  • Two major categories:
    • Granulocytes: Contain membrane-bound granules (e.g., neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils)
    • Agranulocytes: Lack visible granules (e.g., lymphocytes, monocytes)

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)

  • Average: 5 million/mm³
  • Appearance: Biconcave disc shape (for gas exchange, flexibility)
  • Structure: Primarily hemoglobin (oxygen and carbon dioxide transport); no nucleus or mitochondria
  • Functions: Carry hemoglobin, transport oxygen, transport carbon dioxide, buffer pH
  • Life Span: 120 days
  • Fate: Removed and broken down in the spleen

Erythropoiesis

  • Process of RBC formation
  • Intrauterine: Liver and spleen
  • Postnatal (children): Predominantly red bone marrow of axial and appendicular skeletons
  • Adults: Red bone marrow of axial skeleton

Factors Regulating Erythropoiesis

  • Decreased oxygen supply (hypoxia) to tissues stimulates erythropoietin (EPO) production
  • EPO is mainly produced by kidneys (85%) and liver (15%)
  • EPO stimulates RBC formation

Role of Nutrients for Erythropoiesis

  • Cobalamin (B12): RBC maturation (liver)
  • Folic Acid: RBC maturation (leaves, fish)
  • Vitamin B6: Hemoglobin synthesis (eggs, whole grains, potatoes)
  • Amino Acids: Nucleoprotein synthesis (eggs, meat, milk)
  • Vitamin C: Conversion of folic acid to active forms (aids absorption)
  • Iron: Essential for hemoglobin synthesis

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

  • Hormones: Testosterone stimulates EPO secretion, thyroid hormones increase cell metabolism, cortisol increases RBC formation
  • Healthy liver: Necessary for globin, iron, and vitamin B12 storage, EPO production
  • Healthy bone marrow: Site of erythropoiesis, vulnerable to irradiation and tumors

Anemias

  • Decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), or both
  • Leads to decreased oxygen supply to tissues
  • Categorized (based on morphology and underlying causes)

Blood Groups

  • ABO System: Based on presence or absence of A or B antigens on RBCs. Plasma contains corresponding antibodies (Anti-A, Anti-B) , which can agglutinate foreign RBCs.
  • Rh System: Based on the presence or absence of antigen D (Rh factor)
    • Rh+ve: Present
    • Rh-ve: Absent
  • Important in blood transfusions and pregnancies (involving Rh-incompatibility between the mother and child

Hemostasis

  • Hemostasis: The process of stopping bleeding
  • steps in hemostasis:
    1. vascular spasm (vasoconstriction of injured vessel)
    2. platelet plug formation
    3. coagulation (formation of blood clot)
    4. fibrinolysis (dissolving of blood clot)

Anticoagulants

  • Heparin, Warfarin, and other agents to prevent clotting

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Test your knowledge of the immune system and blood cell functions with this quiz! Covering topics such as T cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, and plasma proteins, this quiz will challenge your understanding of key biological principles related to human anatomy and physiology.

More Like This

Types of Leukocytes
11 questions

Types of Leukocytes

WorldFamousPascal avatar
WorldFamousPascal
Types de Cellules Sanguines
21 questions

Types de Cellules Sanguines

BetterThanExpectedShakuhachi avatar
BetterThanExpectedShakuhachi
Human Blood Cells and Circulation Quiz
50 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser