Introduction To Hematology PDF

INTRODUCTION TO HEMATOLOGY MISS RIMSHA NOOR CPT AND CVT UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE COURSE OUTLINES A hematology course typically covers the study of blood and blood-forming tissues, including their structure, function, and various disorders. The course content may vary depending...

INTRODUCTION TO HEMATOLOGY MISS RIMSHA NOOR CPT AND CVT UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE COURSE OUTLINES A hematology course typically covers the study of blood and blood-forming tissues, including their structure, function, and various disorders. The course content may vary depending on the educational level (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) and the specific curriculum of the institution. 1.Introduction to Hematology: Overview of blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) Functions of blood in the body 2. Blood Cell Formation (Hematopoiesis): Hematopoietic stem cells Differentiation and maturation of blood cells Erythropoiesis, leukopoiesis, and thrombopoiesis 3. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Structure and function of hemoglobin Measurement of hematocrit levels 4. Hemostasis and Coagulation: Mechanisms of blood clotting Coagulation cascade Disorders of hemostasis 5. Blood related diseases : Anemias (iron-deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemias) Leukemias and lymphomas Thrombocytopenia and other platelet disorders 6. Diagnostic techniques Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy Blood transfusions 7. Hemostasis Disorders: Hemophilia von Willebrand disease Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) 8. Laboratory Techniques: Blood cell counts Hemoglobin measurement Coagulation tests HEMATOLOGY Hematology is the branch of medical science that focuses on the study of blood, blood-forming tissues, and disorders related to them. It encompasses the examination of blood cells, the components of blood (such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets), and the mechanisms of blood clotting (hemostasis). Hematologists, specialists in this field, diagnose and treat conditions such as anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, bleeding disorders, and other blood-related diseases. The discipline plays a crucial role in understanding the physiological functions of blood and in managing various health conditions associated with abnormalities in the blood and its components.  COMPOSITION OF BLOOD Blood is a complex and dynamic fluid that performs vital functions in the human body. It is composed of several components, each with specific roles. The main components of blood include: I. Plasma: Plasma is the liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of total blood volume. It is a yellowish fluid consisting of water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, waste products, and gases. Plasma plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. II. Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in the blood. Their primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds with oxygen. III. White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): White blood cells are crucial components of the immune system and play a key role in defending the body against infections and foreign substances. There are different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. IV. Platelets (Thrombocytes): Platelets are small cell fragments involved in blood clotting (hemostasis). They play a crucial role in preventing excessive bleeding by forming clots at the site of blood vessel injuries. V. Hormones: Blood transports various hormones produced by endocrine glands to target organs, regulating processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. VI. Nutrients: Blood carries nutrients, including glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, to cells throughout the body for energy production and cellular functions. VII. Electrolytes: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride are essential for maintaining the balance of fluids in and out of cells and for nerve and muscle function. VIII. Waste Products: Blood transports waste products, such as carbon dioxide and urea, to the organs (lungs and kidneys) responsible for their removal from the body. The composition of blood is carefully regulated to maintain homeostasis and support the proper functioning of the body's cells and organs. Blood is a connective tissue that circulates throughout the cardiovascular system, ensuring the transport of essential substances and the removal of waste products.  CONCENTRATION OF BLOOD I. Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Normal range: 4.5 to 6 million cells per microliter (million/µL) Hemoglobin concentration: 12 to 16 grams per deciliter (g/dL) II. White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Total white blood cell count: 4,000 to 11,000 cells/µL Differential white blood cell count (percentage distribution of different types of white blood cells) may vary: Neutrophils: 40-75% Lymphocytes: 20-45% Monocytes: 2-10% Eosinophils: 1-6% Basophils: 0-2% III. Platelets (Thrombocytes): Platelet count: 150,000 to 450,000/µL IV. Plasma: Plasma makes up about 55% of total blood volume. V. Water content in plasma: Approximately 90% VI. Plasma proteins: Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL Globulins: 2.3 to 3.5 g/dL Fibrinogen: 200 to 400 mg/dL VII. Electrolytes: Sodium (Na+): 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) Potassium (K+): 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L Calcium (Ca2+): 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL Chloride (Cl-): 98 to 106 mEq/L Bicarbonate (HCO3-): 22 to 30 mEq/L VIII. Nutrients: Glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL XI. Gases: Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are dynamic and vary based on factors such as respiratory status. FUNCTIONS OF BLOOD Blood performs a variety of essential functions in the human body, contributing to the maintenance of overall health and homeostasis. Here are the key functions of blood: 1) Transportation of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide: Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds with oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues throughout the body. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, is carried by the blood from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. 2). Nutrient Transport: Blood carries nutrients absorbed from the digestive system, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, to cells for energy production and cellular functions. 3). Hormone Transport: Hormones, produced by endocrine glands, are transported in the blood to target organs and tissues, regulating various physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. 4). Immune Response: White blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood play a crucial role in the body's immune system. They help defend against pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.) and foreign substances, contributing to the body's ability to fight infections and diseases. 5). Blood Clotting (Hemostasis): Platelets, along with proteins in the plasma, are involved in the process of blood clotting. This helps prevent excessive bleeding when there is damage to blood vessels. 6). Maintenance of pH and Electrolyte Balance: Blood helps maintain the pH balance in the body by acting as a buffer against changes in acidity or alkalinity. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride) in the blood are essential for maintaining the balance of fluids in and out of cells and for nerve and muscle function. 7). Temperature Regulation: Blood helps regulate body temperature by redistributing heat. When body temperature rises, blood vessels dilate to release heat through the skin; when it drops, vessels constrict to conserve heat. 8). Waste Removal: Blood transports waste products, such as carbon dioxide and urea, to organs like the lungs and kidneys for removal from the body. 9). Blood Volume Regulation: Blood helps maintain blood pressure and volume through mechanisms like vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). 10). Homeostasis: Overall, blood plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's internal environment within a narrow range, ensuring that the various physiological processes function optimally.