Physiology of Blood Functions

The process where blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.

Blood acts as a messenger, carrying hormones produced by endocrine glands to their target organs or cells.

Blood helps maintain a stable body temperature by distributing heat throughout the body. It can expand blood vessels to cool down or constrict them to warm up.

Blood contains buffer systems that neutralize excess acids or bases, keeping the pH within 7.35-7.45, essential for cell function.

Blood carries white blood cells (leukocytes) and antibodies that fight infections and foreign invaders.

When a blood vessel is injured, blood platelets and clotting factors work together to form a clot, sealing the wound to prevent excessive blood loss.

The liquid portion of blood, making up about 55% of its volume.

A condition marked by a lower than normal red blood cell count or haemoglobin concentration. Different causes like iron deficiency, chronic illness, or issues with the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) can lead to this.

The process responsible for generating red blood cells within the bone marrow. Regulated by erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys.

Elevated levels of this protein indicate damage to the heart muscle, often associated with a heart attack.

A medical procedure that uses a special dye injected into the blood vessels to visualize the blood flow in the heart. It is used to identify blockages in the coronary arteries.

A painless, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. It is useful for assessing the severity of heart damage caused by a heart attack.

A protein released into the blood during a heart attack, indicating myocardial damage.

A blood test that measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

Tests assessing kidney function by measuring waste products like urea and electrolyte levels.

A test that provides overall blood cell information, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A test measuring average blood glucose levels over 2-3 months, indicating long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

The process by which blood cells are produced, primarily in the bone marrow.

White blood cells are the body's defense against infection.

The production of red blood cells, starting from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and culminating in the release of mature erythrocytes.

Platelets help in blood clotting to stop bleeding.

A hormone primarily produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia).

The production of white blood cells, involving the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into various types of leukocytes.

Small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting by adhering to damaged vessel walls and forming temporary plugs.

These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen.

These cells are involved in the immune response, protecting the body from infections and foreign invaders. They come in different types, each with a unique function.

The pH of blood is slightly alkaline, with a range of 7.35 to 7.45, and is tightly regulated by buffer systems.

A type of white blood cell that plays a key role in allergic reactions and inflammation. They release chemicals like histamine, heparin, and serotonin from their granules to enhance the inflammatory response.

A type of white blood cell that helps combat parasitic infections and modulate inflammation. They contain granules with enzymes that counteract histamine, reducing inflammation.

A system that classifies blood types based on the presence or absence of specific antigens (A and B) on the surface of red blood cells.

The process by which platelets are produced in the bone marrow. It involves the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes, which then release cytoplasmic fragments into the bloodstream.

Individuals with A antigens on red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in their plasma.

Individuals with B antigens on red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in their plasma.

A hormone primarily produced by the liver and kidneys. It stimulates the production and maturation of megakaryocytes, ultimately regulating the production of platelets.

Signaling molecules involved in mediating and regulating immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They act as messengers between cells, coordinating immune responses and influencing blood cell production.

Individuals with both A and B antigens on red blood cells and no antibodies in their plasma. They can receive blood from all ABO blood types, making them the 'universal recipient' in the ABO system.

Individuals with no antigens on red blood cells but have both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma. They can donate blood to all ABO blood types, making them the 'universal donor' in the ABO system.

The protein responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells. It consists of four polypeptide chains, each with an iron-containing heme group that binds oxygen.

The most abundant type of white blood cell in the body. They are the first responders to infection and perform phagocytosis, engulfing and destroying pathogens.

A system that classifies blood types based on the presence or absence of the RhD antigen on the surface of red blood cells.

These white blood cells fight parasitic infections and allergic reactions. They account for about 2-4% of white blood cells.

This type of haemoglobin comprises about 97% of the haemoglobin in adults and consists of two alpha and two beta chains.

This primary haemoglobin during fetal development consists of two alpha and two gamma chains. It has a higher affinity for oxygen than HbA, facilitating oxygen transfer from the mother to the fetus.