37 Questions
What is the primary function of the erythrocyte?
To transport oxygen to tissues
What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell in adults?
120 days
What is the primary factor that governs erythropoiesis?
Tissue oxygen needs
What is the hormone produced by the kidneys in response to decreased oxygen content?
Erythropoietin
In which part of the body does red cell production primarily take place beyond 20 years of age?
Bones of the vertebra, sternum, ribs, and pelvis
What is the term for the production of red cells?
Erythropoiesis
What is the iron-containing substance in hemoglobin?
Heme
How many hemoglobin molecules are present in each RBC?
300
What is the characteristic of a mature red blood cell?
It is a non-nucleated, biconcave disk
What is the pair of chains in fetal hemoglobin?
Alpha and gamma chains
What is the stage of development of red cells that enter the blood?
Reticulocytes
What is the reason for the biconcave disk shape of the red blood cell?
To increase the surface area for diffusion of oxygen
What is the result of alterations in genes on hemoglobin?
Abnormal hemoglobin
What is the primary function of erythropoietin?
To stimulate RBC production
What is the approximate age at which fetal hgb converts to adult hgb?
4-6 months
What is the function of the iron atom in the heme unit of hemoglobin?
It binds to oxygen
What is a potential consequence of genetic mutations affecting hemoglobin protein formation?
Formation of abnormal hemoglobin molecules
What is necessary for red blood cell survival?
Intact bone marrow and functional erythropoietin
What happens to the hemoglobin released into the circulation when a red blood cell disintegrates at the end of its lifespan?
It is broken down in the liver and spleen
What is the fate of the iron and globin components of hemoglobin after it is broken down?
They are salvaged and reused
What is the final product of hemoglobin breakdown that is excreted in the stool?
Bilirubin
What is the normal rate of destruction of red blood cells per day?
1% per day
What is the normal range of reticulocytes in relation to total RBCs?
1-2% of total RBCs
What is the normal range of hematocrit for men?
41-50% of total blood volume
What is the suffix that refers to the size of red blood cells?
cytic
What is the normal range of hemoglobin in grams per 100ml of blood for women?
12-16 g/dl
What is the term that describes the percentage of blood that is taken up by red blood cells?
Hematocrit
What is the normal range of red blood cells in millions?
4.2-5.4 million
What is the normal range of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)?
87-103 fl/red cell
What is the normal range of Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)?
31-35 g/dl
What is the maximum concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell?
37 g/dl
What is anemia?
An indication of some disease process or alteration in body function that results in a deficiency in red cells or hemoglobin
What is the definition of anemia in men according to the World Health Organization (WHO)?
Hemoglobin < 13.0 gm/dl, hematocrit < 42%
What is the term for the production of red cells?
Erythropoiesis
What can cause anemia?
Excessive loss, increased destruction, or impaired production of red cells or hemoglobin
What is the term for red blood cells that are too small in size?
Microcytic
What is the term for red blood cells with too little hemoglobin?
Hypochromic
Learn about the characteristics and functions of mature red blood cells, including their unique shape, lack of nucleus and organelles, and role in oxygen transport. Understand how their structure allows them to change shape without rupturing their membrane and perform their vital function.
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