Understanding Blood Components and Functions

Study Notes

Lecture on blood is organized with a title slide, overview slide, and sections color-coded for easy navigation.
Blood is composed of plasma (55%) and formed elements (45%), including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Blood is considered a connective tissue, consisting of plasma proteins and formed elements.
Functions of blood include transportation of nutrients and oxygen, defense against foreign invaders, heat distribution, and maintenance of homeostasis.
Blood sample when separated in a centrifuge, separates into plasma, white blood cells and platelets, and red blood cells.
Red blood cells make up 99% of cells in blood and are rich in hemoglobin for oxygen transport.
Red blood cells are continuously produced in the bone marrow, stimulated by erythropoietin hormone, and have a lifespan of about 120 days.
Different blood types (A, B, AB, O) are determined by the presence or absence of specific glycoproteins on red blood cells.
Anemia results from a lower percentage of red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen transport, while polycythemia results from a higher percentage of red blood cells.
Hemoglobin in red blood cells contains iron and can bind up to four oxygen molecules for efficient oxygen transport.- Blood transfusions require matching blood types to avoid antibodies attacking antigens on donated blood.
Type O blood can only receive type O donations to prevent clumping caused by antibodies attacking foreign antigens.
Clumping of blood due to antibodies can block blood vessels, reducing oxygen transport to cells and tissues.
Type O blood is a universal donor, while type AB blood is a universal recipient.
Blood typing is crucial before transfusions to prevent adverse reactions like clumping and hemolysis.
White blood cells are fewer in number, larger than red blood cells, have nuclei, and can leave blood vessels to perform immune functions.
White blood cells can be granular (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) or agranular (monocytes, natural killer cells, lymphocytes).
Neutrophils are the first responders to infections, eosinophils are effective phagocytes, and basophils contain histamine and heparin.
Platelets are involved in hemostasis, preventing blood loss through vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and clotting factor activation.
Clot dissolution (fibrinolysis) breaks down clots using plasminogen activated by thrombin, tissue plasminogen activator, and other enzymes.

Description

Explore the composition, functions, and characteristics of blood, focusing on its components like plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Learn about blood types, disorders like anemia and polycythemia, as well as the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport and blood clotting mechanisms.