A+P L Midterm Pt 2 Flashcards
What is the average blood volume in an adult human?
5 Liters (5000 ml)
Define hematocrit and explain its clinical significance.
Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood sample.
Clinical Significance:
A high hematocrit can indicate dehydration or a condition that causes increased RBC production (e.g., polycythemia).
A low hematocrit can suggest anemia or blood loss, meaning the body has fewer red blood cells than normal.
List and describe the five major functions of blood.
Transport: Carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
Regulation: Helps regulate body temperature, pH, and fluid balance.
Protection: Defends the body against infections and disease through immune cells and antibodies.
Clotting: Prevents excessive blood loss by forming clots at injury sites.
Distribution of Heat: Helps distribute heat throughout the body to maintain a stable body temperature.
Name the three primary classes of plasma proteins found in blood and describe the major function of each.
- Albumins
Function: Maintain osmotic pressure: Albumins help regulate the amount of water in the blood by maintaining the balance of fluids between blood vessels and tissues.
Transport: They carry hormones, vitamins, and drugs throughout the body. - Globulins
Function: Immune response: Some globulins, called antibodies (or immunoglobulins), are involved in defending the body against infections.
Transport: Other globulins, like lipoproteins, help transport fats and other substances in the blood. - Fibrinogen
Function: Blood clotting: Fibrinogen is essential for blood clot formation. When you get injured, it is converted into fibrin, which helps form a blood clot to stop bleeding.
List the four ABO blood groups. For each, specify the antibodies present in the plasma.
1.Blood Group A
Antibodies in Plasma: Anti-B antibodies
- Blood Group B
Antibodies in Plasma: Anti-A antibodies - Blood Group AB
Antibodies in Plasma: No Anti-A or Anti-B antibodies (universal plasma recipient) - Blood Group O
Antibodies in Plasma: Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies (universal plasma donor)
Differentiate between granular and agranular white blood cells (WBCs). State the primary function of each type.
Granular WBCs (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) have granules and are used to defend against infections and allergic responses.
Agranular WBCs (lymphocytes, monocytes) lack granules and are involved in immune responses and pathogen removal.
What are the four processes that facilitate the movement of WBCs to areas of infection or injury?
Chemotaxis: WBCs are attracted to the infection site by chemical signals
Diapedesis: WBCs exit the blood vessels and enter tissues.
Ameboid Movement: WBCs move through tissues by changing shape.
Phagocytosis: WBCs engulf and destroy pathogens or debris.
Which types of WBCs contribute to the body’s nonspecific defenses? Explain their roles.
Neutrophils: First responders, fight bacterial infections, and engulf pathogens.
Macrophages: Clean up debris, present antigens, and help activate the immune system.
Eosinophils: Fight parasites and play a role in allergic reactions.
Basophils: Release histamine to increase blood flow and aid in inflammation.
These WBCs provide nonspecific defenses by attacking a wide variety of pathogens and promoting inflammation in response to infection or injury.
Identify the three primary classes of lymphocytes in the lymphatic system and describe their functions.
T Cells: Involved in cell-mediated immunity, attacking infected or cancer cells.
B Cells: Produce antibodies for humoral immunity and long-term defense.
NK Cells: Provide rapid defense against virus-infected and tumor cells.
What are the three key functions of platelets during the clotting process?
Adhesion: Platelets stick to the damaged blood vessel walls.
Activation: Platelets release chemicals that attract more platelets and help form a clot.
Aggregation: Platelets stick together to form a plug that seals the wound and prevents further bleeding.
