Blood

Question 1

What are the primary functions of blood?

Answer 1

• Transport of gases, nutrients, and waste products
• Transport of processed molecules
• Transport of regulatory molecules
• Regulation of pH and osmosis
• Maintenance of body temperature
• Protection against foreign substances
• Clot formation

These functions are essential for maintaining homeostasis and overall health.

Question 2

What is the composition of blood?

Answer 2

• Plasma (liquid matrix)
• Formed elements (cells and cell fragments)

The average blood volume is approximately 4-5 L in females and 5-6 L in males.

Question 3

What percentage of plasma is made up of water, proteins, and other substances?

Answer 3

91% water, 7% proteins, 2% (ions, nutrients, gases, waste products, and regulatory substances)

Plasma proteins include albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen.

Question 4

What is the main function of albumin in blood plasma?

Answer 4

Transport molecules

Albumin constitutes 58% of plasma proteins.

Question 5

What role do globulins play in blood plasma?

Answer 5

• Immune system function
• Transport molecules
• Clotting factors

Globulins make up 38% of plasma proteins.

Question 6

What is serum?

Answer 6

Plasma without the clotting factors

Serum is used in various medical tests and treatments.

Question 7

What are the main types of formed elements in blood?

Answer 7

• Red blood cells (RBC or erythrocytes) - 95%
• White blood cells (WBC or leukocytes) and platelets - 5%

The formed elements play crucial roles in oxygen transport and immune response.

Question 8

What is hematopoiesis?

Answer 8

The process of blood cell production

Hematopoiesis occurs in red bone marrow and lymphatic tissue.

Question 9

What is the shape of red blood cells and its significance?

Answer 9

Biconcave shape increases surface area compared to a flat disk

This shape facilitates efficient gas exchange.

Question 10

What is hemoglobin and its function?

Answer 10

A pigmented protein responsible for the red color of blood and oxygen transport

Hemoglobin consists of globin, heme, and iron.

Question 11

What stimulates the production of red blood cells?

Answer 11

Low blood oxygen levels stimulate the formation and release of erythropoietin from the kidneys

Erythropoietin acts on red marrow to increase RBC production.

Question 12

What are the main functions of white blood cells?

Answer 12

• Protect the body against invading microorganisms and pathogens
• Remove dead cells and debris through phagocytosis

WBCs are crucial for the immune response.

Question 13

What are the three types of granulocytes?

Answer 13

• Neutrophils - phagocytize microorganisms
• Basophils - release histamine to promote inflammation
• Eosinophils - respond to allergies and destroy worm parasites

Granulocytes contain large cytoplasmic granules.

Question 14

What are the two types of agranulocytes?

Answer 14

• Lymphocytes - produce antibodies and regulate the immune system
• Monocytes - enlarge into macrophages and phagocytize bacteria

Agranulocytes have very small granules.

Question 15

What are platelets and their function?

Answer 15

Minute fragments of cells important for preventing blood loss

They are produced in the bone marrow from megakaryocytes.

Question 16

What are the three mechanisms of preventing blood loss?

Answer 16

• Vascular spasm
• Platelet plug formation
• Blood clotting (coagulation)

These mechanisms are essential for hemostasis.

Question 17

What occurs during vascular spasm?

Answer 17

Immediate but temporary constriction of a blood vessel due to smooth muscle contraction

Thromboxane and endothelin are involved in this process.

Question 18

What is the process of platelet plug formation?

Answer 18

Accumulation of platelets that seals small breaks in blood vessels

This is a crucial step in hemostasis.

Question 19

What is blood clotting?

Answer 19

A network of threadlike protein fibers called fibrin that traps blood cells and fluid

Clotting is essential for stopping bleeding.

Question 20

What is the difference between transfusion and infusion?

Answer 20

Transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood components; infusion is the introduction of a fluid other than blood

Understanding this distinction is important in medical settings.

Question 21

What are antigens and antibodies in the context of blood?

Answer 21

Antigens are molecules on the surface of RBCs; antibodies are proteins in plasma

The interaction between antigens and antibodies can lead to agglutination.

Question 22

What is agglutination?

Answer 22

Incompatibility of antigen and antibody leading to clumping of blood cells

This can have serious implications during blood transfusions.

Question 23

What are the main blood groups based on the ABO system?

Answer 23

Type A and Type B antigens

The presence or absence of these antigens determines blood type.

Question 24

What distinguishes Rh positive from Rh negative blood groups?

Answer 24

Rh positive has Rh antigens on RBCs; Rh negative does not have Rh antigens

This classification is important for blood transfusions and pregnancy.