RBCs & Erythropoiesis Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the fluid extracellular material in which blood cells are suspended?

Plasma (correct)

Serum

Interstitial fluid

Lymph

Which of the following is not considered a 'formed element' in blood?

Red blood cells

Platelets

White blood cells

Plasma proteins (correct)

What is the purpose of using stains like Leishman’s stain in blood smear preparation?

To make blood cells visible under the microscope (correct)

To increase the volume of blood in the sample

To identify blood glucose levels

To detect blood pressure changes

What type of dyes are present in Leishman’s stain?

Acidic and basic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stains is considered a 'neutral stain' used in blood smears?

Leishman’s stain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Romanowsky stain?

Giemsa stain Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of eosin in Leishman’s stain?

It stains acidic components of the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which staining technique uses polychromatic dyes for blood smear preparation?

Romanowsky staining Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the biconcave shape of RBCs?

It facilitates gas exchange by increasing surface area Signup and view all the answers

How are RBCs viewed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) inside capillaries?

Dumbbell-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What happens to RBCs in sickle cell disease?

They become less flexible and more fragile, causing anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal diameter range of RBCs?

6-9 µm Signup and view all the answers

In macrocytic anemia, what is the typical size of RBCs?

Greater than 9 µm Signup and view all the answers

What is the average thickness of RBCs at the center?

0.75 µm Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal RBC concentration in males?

4.1-6.0 million/µL Signup and view all the answers

Which component forms the largest percentage of the RBC membrane?

Proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which protein network supports the RBC membrane and provides its flexibility?

Spectrin, ankyrin, and actin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the flexibility provided by the RBC cytoskeleton?

To allow easy passage through small capillaries Signup and view all the answers

Where are the ABO blood group antigens located on the RBC membrane?

Formed of outer carbohydrates and protein molecules Signup and view all the answers

What cellular organelles are absent in mature RBCs?

Nucleus and mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Components of Blood

Blood cells are suspended in plasma, the fluid extracellular material.
Formed elements in blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; plasma proteins are not classified as formed elements.

Blood Smear Preparation

Stains like Leishman’s stain are used to make blood cells visible under microscopy.
Leishman’s stain contains acidic and basic dyes for effective staining.
It is recognized as a neutral stain suitable for blood smears.
Giemsa stain is an example of a Romanowsky stain.

Function of Dyes in Staining

Eosin in Leishman’s stain targets and stains acidic components of cells.
The Romanowsky staining technique employs polychromatic dyes for preparation of blood smears.

Characteristics and Function of RBCs

The biconcave shape of red blood cells (RBCs) enhances gas exchange by increasing surface area.
RBCs may appear dumbbell-shaped when viewed with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) inside capillaries.
In sickle cell disease, RBCs lose flexibility and become fragile, leading to anemia.
Normal RBCs range in diameter from 6-9 µm; in macrocytic anemia, RBCs are often greater than 9 µm.
Average thickness of RBCs at the center is approximately 0.75 µm.
Normal RBC concentration in males is between 4.1-6.0 million/µL.

Structure of RBCs

The largest percentage of the RBC membrane is composed of proteins.
The cytoskeletal network of RBCs, made up of specitran, ankyrin, and actin, provides membrane support and flexibility.
Flexibility of the cytoskeleton facilitates easy passage through small capillaries.
ABO blood group antigens are located on the RBC membrane in the form of outer carbohydrates and protein molecules.

Organelles in Mature RBCs

Mature RBCs lack cellular organelles such as the nucleus and mitochondria, allowing more space for hemoglobin.

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Description

Test your knowledge on red blood cells and erythropoiesis with this quiz. It covers key concepts such as the components of blood, the formation of blood cells, and the significance of blood smears. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these essential elements of human physiology.