Red Blood Cell Production and Regulation

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of blood volume is constituted by plasma?

70%

45%

55% (correct)

60%

What is the primary function of erythropoietin in the body?

To regulate the expression of blood groups on red blood cell membranes

To increase the production of thyroxine in the thyroid gland

To stimulate the bone marrow to synthesize new red blood cells (correct)

To stimulate the synthesis of hemoglobin in the liver

Which of the following is NOT a function of plasma proteins?

Carrier function for iron and hormones

Defense against infection

Defense against bleeding

Transport of oxygen (correct)

What is the percentage of dissolved solutes in plasma?

8% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of microcytic anemia?

Iron deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the proportion of red blood cells in the blood?

Hematocrit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Transport of gases between lung and tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process by which red blood cells are produced?

Erythropoiesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin?

Male sex hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the chemical groups present on the red blood cell membranes?

Blood groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of platelets in hemostasis?

Formation of blood clots Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of water in plasma?

92% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the decrease in the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell?

Hypochromic anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of blood?

Transport of hormones and vitamins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of iron deficiency?

Microcytic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of red blood cell production in the body?

Erythropoiesis Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water and small solutes at the arterial side of a capillary?

They pass through the capillary pores Signup and view all the answers

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

To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Where does erythropoiesis occur in extrauterine life?

In the bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the average count of red blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood?

5 million Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of blood viscosity is attributed to red blood cells?

60% Signup and view all the answers

How long can normal red blood cells survive?

120 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of erythropoiesis in intrauterine life?

Liver and spleen Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hemoglobin as a blood buffer?

To regulate blood pH Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a hormone synthesized in the kidney in response to hypoxia (decreased oxygen at tissues)
Stimulates the bone marrow to synthesize new red blood cells

Factors Needed for Erythropoiesis

Adequate balanced diet (iron, proteins, vitamin B12, and folic acid)
Hormones (e.g. thyroxine and male sex hormones)
Healthy organs (liver, kidney, and bone marrow)

Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (decreased iron intake, pregnancy, lactation, adolescence, and bilharziasis)
Aplastic anemia
Hemolysis
Pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency)

Blood Indices

Hemoglobin (Hb) content
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

Blood Groups

Chemical groups present on red blood cell membranes
Antigenic in character, termed agglutinogens

Red Blood Cells

Non-nucleated circular biconcave discs
Contain hemoglobin
Average count is 5 million/mm³
Functions: transport of gases (O2 and CO2), blood buffer, and 60% of blood viscosity

Hemoglobin

Chromoprotein consisting of 4 subunits
Contains 4 iron atoms, each binding one oxygen molecule
Binds oxygen loosely

Erythropoiesis

Occurs in bone marrow in extrauterine life and liver and spleen in intrauterine life
Rate of erythropoiesis must equal rate of red blood cell destruction to maintain normal red blood cell count
Normal red blood cells can survive up to 120 days

Functions of Blood

Respiration by transport of gases between lung and tissues
Nutrition by transport of nutrients from gut to tissues
Excretion by transport of waste products from cells to excretory organs
Regulation of function of cells by transporting various hormones and vitamins
Defense against bleeding (by blood coagulation) and against microbes (by white blood cells)

Composition of Blood

Consists of cells suspended in plasma
Plasma constitutes 55% of blood volume
Components of plasma: water, dissolved solutes, plasma proteins, nutrients, waste products, ions, and hormones

Functions of Plasma Proteins

Carrier function (iron and hormones)
Transport of carbon dioxide
Defense against bleeding (clotting factors)
Defense against infection (antibodies)
Act as buffers (maintain normal pH of blood)
Contribute to 40% of blood viscosity
Constitute the reabsorbing force at the venous end of capillaries

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Description

This quiz covers the role of erythropoietin, diet, hormones, and organs in producing red blood cells. Learn about the factors that influence red blood cell production and regulation.