4.1 Blood And Body Fluid Compartments Flashcards
describe the different fluid compartments of the body
intracellular and extra cellular compartments. Intracellular is inside the cell and extra cellular is outside the cell
explain different measures of concentrations - percentage solution, osmolarity and osmolality, molar solution, and tonicity
Percentage Solution:
Represents the amount of solute dissolved in a solvent as a percentage.
Calculated as (mass of solute / total mass of solution) * 100.
Often used in everyday solutions like saline (0.9% NaCl) or alcohol (70% ethanol).
Osmolarity and Osmolality:
Osmolarity: Concentration of solute particles per liter of solution.
Osmolality: Concentration of solute particles per kilogram of solvent.
Measure the total solute concentration regardless of the chemical nature of the solute.
Important in determining the tonicity of a solution.
Molar Solution:
Represents the number of moles of solute dissolved in one liter of solution.
Commonly denoted as “M” (mol/L).
Provides a precise measure of concentration based on the molecular weight of the solute.
Tonicity:
Describes the ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water.
Depends on the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell.
Solutions can be isotonic (equal solute concentration), hypertonic (higher solute concentration), or hypotonic (lower solute concentration) relative to the cell.
explain what is meant by normal fluid balance
Normal fluid balance refers to the state in which the body maintains a stable and optimal level of fluids and electrolytes. This balance ensures that the amount of fluid entering the body (via ingestion and metabolic processes) equals the amount being lost (through urine, sweat, respiration, and other bodily functions).
explain the clinical significance of controlling sodium, potassium and calcium levels in the body
Sodium (Na+):
Essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
Abnormal levels can lead to hypertension, edema, or dehydration.
Potassium (K+):
Crucial for proper nerve and muscle function, including heart rhythm.
Imbalances can cause arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
Calcium (Ca2+):
Required for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Dysregulation can result in osteoporosis, muscle cramps, nerve dysfunction, or cardiac arrhythmias.
Effective control of these electrolyte levels is vital for preventing serious medical conditions and maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body.
list the components of plasma
The components are 91%water, 8%protein( Albumin, Fibrinogen, immunoglobulins and enzymes) and 1%other solutes
describe the function of albumin and fibrinogen
Maintains osmotic pressure in the blood, preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels into tissues.
Transports various substances such as hormones, fatty acids, and drugs.
Acts as a buffer, helping to maintain the pH balance of the blood.
Function of fibrinogen:
Essential for blood clotting (coagulation) process.
Converted into fibrin during clot formation, which forms a mesh-like structure to trap blood cells and platelets, leading to clot formation.
Plays a crucial role in wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding.
identify the formed elements
RBC ( erythrocytes), WBC (leukocytes), Platelets(thrombocytes)
define haematopoiesis and indicate where it occurs
is the process by which the body produces blood cells, including red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). This essential physiological process ensures the constant renewal and maintenance of the blood cell population, allowing the body to carry out vital functions such as oxygen transport, immune response, and blood clotting.
Haematopoiesis primarily occurs in the bone marrow
describe the production and life cycle of erythrocytes
Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are produced through a process called erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. Stem cells differentiate into erythroblasts, which mature into reticulocytes, and eventually release fully functional erythrocytes into the bloodstream. Average lifespan is 100-120 days
describe the function and components of haemoglobin
The function is transportation of gases such as oxygen and CO2 inside the body. Oxygen bids in Iron in the Heme group in a haemoglobin molecule, wheras CO2 binds with globin. The components are 4 red Heme groups and protein globins.
identify the different types of leukocytes and their functions
Different types of leukocytes (white blood cells) and their functions:
Neutrophils:
Function: Phagocytosis of bacteria and fungi; first responders to infections.
Eosinophils:
Function: Defense against parasitic infections; involved in allergic reactions.
Basophils:
Function: Release histamine and other inflammatory mediators; involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.
Lymphocytes:
Types: T cells, B cells, Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Function: Adaptive immune response; T cells coordinate cellular immunity, B cells produce antibodies, NK cells destroy infected and cancerous cells.
Monocytes:
Function: Phagocytosis of pathogens and debris; precursor to tissue macrophages.
These leukocytes work together to protect the body against infections, foreign invaders, and other abnormalities in immune responses.
describe the structure and function of platelets
Small cell fragments without a nucleus. Function: Essential for blood clotting, adhering to damaged vessels, releasing clotting factors, and forming clots to prevent excessive bleeding.
give a brief overview of the three steps of haemostasis
1.VASCULAR SPASM
( Vasoconstriction): The smooth muscles near the vessels contracts causing Immediate narrowing of blood vessels.
2. PLATELET PLUG FORMATION ( platelet aggregation): collagen is exposed to blood. platelets sticks to the exposed collagen causing secretion of chemicals messengers directing more platelets to stick to collagen until break in the blood vessel is patched.
3. COAGULATION (blood clotting):soluble fibrinogen converts to insoluble fibrin and forms a mesh that traps RBC and platelets forming a blood clot and sealing the damaged blood vessel.
briefly describe the process of blood clotting/coagulation
soluble fibrinogen converts to insoluble fibrin and forms a mesh that traps RBC and platelets forming a blood clot and sealing the damaged blood vessel. prothrombin in presence of calcium get converted to thrombin which help in clotting.
describe the role of natural anticoagulants
play a vital role in maintaining the balance between clot formation and clot dissolution within the body, thus ensuring proper blood flow and preventing thrombotic complications.
