1.2 Functions Of Blood Flashcards
What are the two main forms of lipoprotein?
High density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
LDL deposits fat and cholesterol in the walls of arteries.
HDL appears to prevent or even reverse these harmful deposits.
Transport- what is transported and where to?
Many are transported from the digestive system to the tissues or to storage areas such as the liver. Those that cannot dissolve in water, for example fat, are carried by blood proteins called lipoproteins.
Transports gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide between the tissues on the lungs.
Transport hormones-insulin and adrenaline. Target organs and triggers a response.
Temperature regulation- how are chemical reactions regulated?
Chemical reactions are regulated by proteins called enzymes, determined by genes. Enzymes become unstable or denatured at high temperatures and chemical reactions slow down at low temperatures.
Preventing infection- how are bacteria and parasites recognised as threats?
By cells such as the neutrophils and B type lymphocytes, act as antigens-form special proteins called antibodies.
Blood clotting- how much blood does an individual have? What would happen if someone lost a lot of blood?
Women- 4-5 litres of blood
Men- 5-6 litres of blood
Losing 2 litres of blood will lead to serious issues or even death. If the skin is broken, pathogens can gain access and blood poisoning or sepsis can quickly cause organ damage.
Transport- what do red blood cells contain?
Red blood cells contain an iron-containing protein called haemoglobin. This combines with oxygen to produce a bright red substance called oxyhaemoglobin.
In the tissues, oxygen is released and the darker haemoglobin is reformed.
Haemoglobin on the return trip to the lungs will also carry a small amount of carbon dioxide.
Transport- what do red blood cells not have?
No cell nucleus.
Transport- how do red blood cells help the exchange of oxygen?
They have a special disc shape to help the exchange of oxygen.
Temperature regulation- how does good health continue?
Optimal temperature must be maintained. Heat is generated in all our cells but especially in tissues such as the muscles. Blood removes this heat and circulates it around the body.
Temperature regulation- how is internal temperature maintained in humans?
Humans generate their own internal temperature and maintain it.
Maintained by millions of chemical reactions that are all affected by heat.
Operate best at an internal temperature of 37°C-this is our optimal temperature.
Preventing infection- different types of pathogens the body is under threat from?
Bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Preventing infection- what can viruses not do?
Viruses cannot live independently and need to hijack cells to survive and reproduce.
Preventing infection- what does a virus do to a cell?
Change the outside of the infected cell, but T lymphocytes recognise this and latch onto the cell and destroy it along with the virus.
This cell destruction causes many symptoms of viral infections.
Blood clotting- what happens if exposed to glass or plastic?
Tiny cell fragments from the bone marrow activate a chain reaction known as coagulation.
Blood clotting- what is coagulation?
This converts the soluble blood protein (fibrinogen) into an insoluble (fabrin). Forms a net-like structure, trapping both platelets and erythrocytes to form a clot.
