Blood

Question 1

2 components of plasma and a function for each?

Answer 1

Water - for carrying soluble and suspended substances in the blood stream

Plasma proteins - responsible for maintaining blood osmolality

Question 2

Two functions of blood?

Answer 2

Gas transportation for cell use / respiration

Transports heat around the body

Question 3

Lifespan and destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Answer 3

Life span = about 120 days

Old erythrocytes undergo haemolysis in the spleen. Bilirubin is secreted into the bile whilst iron is recycled back into the body for production of new erythrocytes.

Question 4

Name the 5 different types of white blood cells and state a function for each:

Answer 4

Basophils: allergy response - increases histamine and inflammatory response in tissues

Eosinophils: destroys parasites such as worms and releases chemicals which destroy infection

Neutrophils: accumulate at site of infection and kill harmful bacteria via phagocytosis

Monocytes: enhance production of t-lymphocytes and act on hypothalamus to increase body temp during an infection

Lymphocytes: T and B lymphocytes - memory cells for fighting infection for immunity.

Question 5

Haemostasis is the cessation of bleeding (clotting). What are the three phases?

Answer 5

Vascular spasm
Platelet plug formation
Coagulation

Question 6

For an individual with blood type A, name the type of antigen on their RBCs and the type of antibodies in their plasma

Answer 6

A antigen on RBCs

B- antibodies in plasma

(Cannot receive type B blood)

Question 7

what is the blood pH set point range?

Answer 7

7.35-7.45
Below is acidosis and above is alkalosis

Question 8

Explain vascular spasm

Answer 8

Damaged blood vessels respond by constricting. This reduces the blood flow and therefore reduces the blood loss from the injury site.

Question 9

Explain platelet plug formation

Answer 9

When the endothelial linking of blood vessels is exposed to collagen fibres. When platelets become exposed to the collagen fibres, they respond by becoming stickier and sticker in a positive feedback cycle.

Question 10

Explain coagulation

Answer 10

Coagulation reinforces the platelet plug formation with a fibrin network that acts as a glue and the blood transforms from a liquid into a gel. This involves procoagulants and clotting factors

Question 11

Significance of a woman who is rhesus neg carrying a rhesus pos baby?

Answer 11

Will produce antirhesus antibodies when exposed to the rh+ baby during delivery which could cause problems for future pregnancies as the rhesus antibodies will destroy the fetus