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Questions and Answers
How does the absence of a nucleus in red blood cells primarily benefit their function?
How does the absence of a nucleus in red blood cells primarily benefit their function?
- It protects the DNA from damage during the rapid circulation through blood vessels.
- It allows red blood cells to efficiently synthesize proteins for oxygen transport.
- It provides more space for hemoglobin, facilitating increased oxygen-carrying capacity and flexibility. (correct)
- It enables red blood cells to maintain a constant, rigid shape for consistent oxygen delivery.
If a person's bone marrow is damaged and unable to produce red blood cells, which of the following physiological responses would you expect to observe?
If a person's bone marrow is damaged and unable to produce red blood cells, which of the following physiological responses would you expect to observe?
- Elevated white blood cell count as the body attempts to compensate for the loss of red blood cells.
- Decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to fatigue and potential organ damage. (correct)
- Increased blood pH due to impaired carbon dioxide removal.
- Increased production of platelets to improve blood clotting.
Under what circumstances would red blood cells transport carbon dioxide to the lungs?
Under what circumstances would red blood cells transport carbon dioxide to the lungs?
- When tissues release carbon dioxide as a waste product. (correct)
- When the blood is lacking oxygen.
- When the body is at rest and oxygen demand is low.
- When pH levels in the blood are too high.
A patient's arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.2. How are red blood cells involved in restoring the blood's ideal pH?
A patient's arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.2. How are red blood cells involved in restoring the blood's ideal pH?
What is the role of hemoglobin in the function of red blood cells?
What is the role of hemoglobin in the function of red blood cells?
Flashcards
Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Also known as erythrocytes, they transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin
A protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and gives blood its red color.
Main Role of Red Blood Cells
Main Role of Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide and help maintain blood pH.
Where Red Blood Cells Are Made
Where Red Blood Cells Are Made
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Shape of Red Blood Cells
Shape of Red Blood Cells
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Study Notes
- Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, constitute the most abundant type of blood cell.
- Erythrocytes transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.
- These tissues utilize oxygen to produce energy and release carbon dioxide as a waste product.
- Red blood cells then transport the carbon dioxide waste to the lungs for exhalation.
- Hemoglobin within red blood cells facilitates oxygen transport throughout the body.
- Red blood cells contribute to pH regulation in the blood by acting as an acid-base buffer, maintaining a neutral pH between 7.35 and 7.45.
- Red blood cells develop in the bone marrow and mature in about seven days before being released into the bloodstream.
- Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their bright red color and enables them to carry oxygen.
- Red blood cells are microscopic in size and possess a flat disk or doughnut shape, characterized by a round form with a central indentation.
- Unlike white blood cells, erythrocytes lack a nucleus, enabling them to change shape and move more efficiently throughout the body.
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