Red Blood Cells (RBCs) Anatomy and Physiology
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of formed elements in blood are red blood cells?

99%

Red blood cells have a ______ shape.

biconcave

What is the oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells?

hemoglobin

Red blood cells have a nucleus and other organelles.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of red blood cells?

<p>Produce antibodies to fight infections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average red blood cell count in adult males?

<p>5-5.5 million/ mm³ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of the biconcave shape of red blood cells?

<p>Increased surface area</p> Signup and view all the answers

White blood cells lack a nucleus.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total count of white blood cells in a typical healthy individual?

<p>4000-11000/ mm³</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of granulocyte?

<p>Lymphocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate lifespan of red blood cells?

<p>120 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main products that result from the breakdown of red blood cells?

<p>Heme and proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is involved in removing dead red blood cells from the blood?

<p>Macrophages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is primarily responsible for attacking and destroying invading bacteria?

<p>Neutrophils (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of platelets in blood?

<p>Stoppage of bleeding</p> Signup and view all the answers

Platelets have a nucleus.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism involved in stopping bleeding?

<p>Production of antibodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The lifespan of white blood cells is variable and can range from a few days to months.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of preparing a blood smear for microscopic examination?

<p>Blood smear preparation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical stain used for a blood smear?

<p>Giemsa solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a condition characterized by a decrease in the size of red blood cells?

<p>Microcytosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe an abnormal increase in the red blood cell count?

<p>Polycythemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by red blood cells appearing pale in color?

<p>Hypochromic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the laboratory test used to determine the hemoglobin concentration in blood?

<p>Sahli's method</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hematocrit value represents the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can affect hematocrit?

<p>Production of antibodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the average volume of a single red blood cell?

<p>Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of anemia characterized by both small red blood cells and low hemoglobin content?

<p>Microcytic hypochromic anemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to macrocytic hyperchromic anemia.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of anemia?

<p>Increased appetite (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hemoglobin

The oxygen-carrying pigment found within red blood cells, responsible for the red color of blood.

Biconcave

The shape of red blood cells, allowing for increased surface area and flexibility for passing through narrow capillaries.

Primary Function of Red Blood Cells

The primary function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs for expulsion.

Carbonic Anhydrase

Enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions in the body. In the case of Red Blood Cells, it speeds up the reaction between water and carbon dioxide.

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Phagocytosis

The process of engulfing and digesting foreign particles, like bacteria, by white blood cells.

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Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. They are further divided into T cells and B cells.

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Monocytes

A type of white blood cell that is capable of differentiating into macrophages, engulfing and destroying harmful substances.

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Fixed Macrophages

Fixed macrophages are found in specific tissues and play a key role in defending those tissues against harmful invaders.

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Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding from damaged blood vessels.

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Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell that has granules in its cytoplasm. They are categorized into neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

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Neutrophils

A type of granulocyte known for fighting bacterial infections.

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Eosinophils

A type of granulocyte that combats parasitic infections and allergic reactions.

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Basophils

A type of granulocyte that releases histamine and heparin, involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.

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Agranulocytes

A type of white blood cell that does not have granules in its cytoplasm. They are further divided into lymphocytes and monocytes.

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Blood Smear Preparation

The process of making a blood smear involves collecting a blood sample from a patient, preparing a thin layer on a slide, fixing and staining the blood cells for microscopic analysis.

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Microcytosis

A condition where red blood cells are smaller than normal in size, often associated with iron deficiency.

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Macrocytosis

A condition where red blood cells are larger than normal in size, often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency.

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Poikilocytosis

A condition characterized by irregular shapes of red blood cells.

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Hypochromic

A condition where red blood cells are paler than normal, indicating low hemoglobin levels.

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Sickle Cell Anemia

A heredity-acquired disease characterized by sickle-shaped red blood cells.

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Hemoglobin Content Determination

The process of measuring the amount of hemoglobin present in a specific volume of blood, usually 100 ml.

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Polycythemia

A condition where the hematocrit level, or the percentage of red blood cells in total blood volume, is elevated above the normal range.

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Secondary Polycythemia

A type of polycythemia that is caused by environmental factors, such as high altitude or low oxygen levels in the blood.

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Polycythemia Vera (Erythremia)

A type of polycythemia that is caused by an abnormality in the bone marrow, resulting in the overproduction of red blood cells.

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Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

The average volume of a single red blood cells.

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Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

The average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

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Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

The amount of hemoglobin in 100 ml of packed red blood cells.

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Anemia

A decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, or hematocrit, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.

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Normocytic Normochromic Anemia

A type of anemia where the red blood cells are normal in size and hemoglobin content. It is caused by blood loss, excessive destruction of red blood cells, or other factors.

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Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia

A type of anemia where the red blood cells are smaller than normal and have less hemoglobin than normal. It is often caused by iron deficiency.

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Macrocytic Hyperchromic Anemia

A type of anemia where the red blood cells are larger than normal and have more hemoglobin than normal. It is often caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

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Aplastic Anemia

A type of anemia caused by a lack of function of the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in production of all types of blood cells.

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Megaloblastic Anemia

A type of anemia characterized by the slow reproduction of erythroblasts in the bone marrow due to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.

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Hemolytic Anemia

A type of anemia where red blood cells are easily destroyed, even if they are normal in number. This can be caused by inherited disorders, infections, or other factors.

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Study Notes

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)/Erythrocytes

  • RBCs make up over 99% of formed elements in blood.
  • They are biconcave shaped.
  • Contain hemoglobin, a pigment that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color.
  • RBCs are flexible discs, allowing them to squeeze through tiny capillaries.
  • Lacks a nucleus and other organelles.

RBC Physiology

  • As blood travels through lungs, hemoglobin inside RBCs combines with oxygen, forming oxyhemoglobin.
  • Hemoglobin consists of globin (a protein) and heme (nonprotein pigments).
  • Each heme contains iron (Fe+2) that binds reversibly to oxygen.
  • Oxygen is transported to tissues.
  • In tissues, iron-oxygen reaction reverses, releasing O2 into cells.

Function of RBCs

  • Contain and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • Contain carbonic anhydrase enzyme that catalyzes the reaction between water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

RBC Number, Shape, and Size

  • Adult male: 5-5.5 million/mm³
  • Adult female: 4.5-4.8 million/mm³
  • Higher in newborns.
  • Circular, biconcave, non-nucleated discs.
  • Biconcave shape increases surface area for efficient oxygen exchange.
  • Thin shape facilitates passage through capillaries.

White Blood Cells (WBCs) (Leukocytes)

  • Unlike RBCs, WBCs have nuclei but lack hemoglobin.
  • Total count: 4,000-11,000/mm³
  • Divided into two main categories:
    • Granulocytes (contain granules):
      • Neutrophils (60-70%)
      • Eosinophils (2-4%)
      • Basophils (1%)
    • Agranulocytes (lack granules):
      • Lymphocytes (20-25%)
      • Monocytes (3-8%)

Lifespan

  • RBCs live approximately 120 days.
  • Dead RBCs are removed and destroyed by phagocytic macrophages in spleen and liver.
  • Breakdown products (heme and proteins) are recycled.
  • WBC lifespan varies from days to months/years (depending on type).

Function of WBCs

  • Migrate out of blood into tissues, enlarging and differentiating into macrophages (some fixed, some mobile).
  • Protect against invading organisms mainly by ingesting them through phagocytosis.
  • Lymphocytes and plasma cells play a major role in the immune response.
  • WBCs destroy invading bacteria, parasites, and foreign substances.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

  • Count: 150,000-400,000/mm³
  • Non-nucleated, rounded discs.
  • Size: 2-4 µm in diameter.
  • Lifespan: 10 days.
  • Function in homeostasis (stopping bleeding):
    • Vascular spasm (contraction of blood vessel smooth muscles).
    • Platelets plug formation.
    • Blood coagulation (clotting).

WBC Lifespan

  • Varies considerably depending on type and function.
  • Granulocytes generally have lifespans of 4-5 days in tissues, but in serious infections, their lifespan can shorten to a few hours.
  • Macrophages can survive for months or even years.

Blood Smear Preparation

  • Obtaining blood (finger stick or venous).
  • Preparing the slide with the blood smear.
  • Drying and Staining the smear.
  • Examining the smear microscopically.

Abnormal RBC Morphology

  • Microcytosis: smaller than normal RBCs (e.g., iron-deficiency anemia).
  • Macrocytosis: larger than normal RBCs (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency anemia).
  • Polycythemia: abnormally high RBC count (e.g., blood cancer).
  • Poikilocytosis: abnormal RBC shape (e.g., sickle-cell anemia).
  • Hypochromic: pale color cells with decreased hemoglobin concentration.
  • Sickle-shaped cells: hereditary acquired disease.

Methods for Hb Determination

  • Sahli's method: using a hemoglobinometer.

Hematocrit (HCT) (% PCV)

  • Measures the percentage of blood volume occupied by RBCs.
  • Materials and procedure for measurement and calculation of percentage of PCV.
  • Factors affecting PCV (physiological and pathological).
  • Significance of PCV.

Role of Iron

  • Iron is essential for hemoglobin (Hb) production.
  • About 65% of body iron is in Hb form.
  • Other 15-30% of body iron is stored in the liver.
  • Daily iron intake and need differs between genders and other factors.

Transport and Storage of Iron

  • Iron absorbed from small intestines combines with a plasma protein (apotransferrin).
  • Forms transferrin, for transport to cells in the body.
  • Excess iron stored in liver cells as ferritin.
  • People with low transferrin have less Hb and hence hypochromic anemia.

Types of Anemia

  • Blood loss anemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Megaplastic anemia
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Polycythemia

Mean Corpuscular Values (MCV, MCH, MCHC)

  • MCV: average volume of a RBC
  • MCH: average amount of hemoglobin per RBC
  • MCHC: average concentration of hemoglobin per RBC

Significance of Blood Indices

  • Helps diagnose types of anemia.

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Description

Explore the essential features and functions of red blood cells (RBCs) in this quiz. Discover their unique structure, the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport, and the physiological processes involved in respiration. Learn how RBCs adapt to carry out their crucial functions in the human body.

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