Blood Flashcards by Aiyana Towers

Which of the following is the primary function of blood in the body?
A. To provide oxygen to the lungs
B. To transport nutrients, gases, and waste products
C. To store energy for cellular processes
D. To produce white blood cells for immune defence

B. To transport nutrients, gases, and waste products

Blood serves as the primary medium for transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body, ensuring that cells receive the necessary substances for metabolism.

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What component of blood is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues?
A. Platelets
B. White blood cells
C. Plasma
D. Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

D. Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues throughout the body. They also carry carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.

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What role does plasma play in blood transport?
A. Plasma carries oxygen to the tissues.
B. Plasma transports nutrients, wastes, hormones, and proteins.
C. Plasma helps fight infections.
D. Plasma is responsible for clotting.

B. Plasma transports nutrients, wastes, hormones, and proteins.

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and plays a key role in transporting nutrients, waste products, hormones, and proteins, such as clotting factors and antibodies, throughout the body.

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Which of the following is a function of the white blood cells (leukocytes) in blood transport?
A. To carry oxygen to tissues
B. To transport nutrients to cells
C. To provide immune defense against pathogens
D. To maintain blood pressure

C. To provide immune defence against pathogens

White blood cells are essential for the immune response. They travel through the bloodstream to detect and eliminate pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and respond to tissue injury.

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How do platelets contribute to blood transport and function?
A. They help in the transport of oxygen and nutrients.
B. They are involved in clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
C. They defend the body against infections.
D. They produce red blood cells in the bone marrow.

B. They are involved in clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.

Platelets are essential for the blood clotting process. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets aggregate to form a clot, preventing excessive blood loss and promoting tissue repair.

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What is the normal pH range of blood in the human body?
A. 7.0 to 7.4
B. 7.35 to 7.45
C. 8.0 to 8.5
D. 6.8 to 7.0

B. 7.35 to 7.45

The normal pH range of blood is slightly alkaline, typically between 7.35 and 7.45, which is essential for the proper functioning of enzymes and cellular processes.

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Which component of blood makes up the largest percentage of its volume?
A. Plasma
B. Red blood cells
C. White blood cells
D. Platelets

A. Plasma

Plasma makes up approximately 55% of blood volume and is a straw-coloured liquid that contains water, proteins, nutrients, waste products, and other substances.

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What is the typical volume of blood in an average adult?
A. 1 to 2 liters
B. 5 to 6 liters
C. 7 to 9 liters
D. 10 to 12 liters

B. 5 to 6 liters

The typical volume of blood in an average adult ranges from 4 to 6 liters, which makes up about 7-8% of total body weight. This volume can vary based on factors such as gender, body size, and health status.

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Which of the following describes the colour of oxygenated blood?
A. Blue
B. Dark red
C. Bright red
D. Greenish

C. Bright red

Oxygenated blood, which is found in arteries (except for pulmonary arteries), is bright red due to the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

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What is the primary function of the proteins found in blood plasma, such as albumin and globulins?
A. To carry oxygen and carbon dioxide
B. To transport nutrients and waste products
C. To maintain blood volume and osmotic pressure
D. To facilitate blood clotting

C. To maintain blood volume and osmotic pressure

Plasma proteins, such as albumin, help regulate blood volume and osmotic pressure, which are crucial for fluid balance and preventing edema. Globulins play a role in immune defense, while fibrinogen aids in clotting.

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After blood is separated by centrifugation, which of the following is found at the top of the tube?
A. Plasma
B. Red blood cells
C. White blood cells and platelets
D. Fibrinogen

A. Plasma

When blood is centrifuged, plasma, which is the least dense component, rises to the top. It is a yellowish fluid that contains water, proteins, nutrients, and waste products.

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Which blood component is most likely to be found at the bottom of a centrifuged blood sample?
A. Plasma
B. Red blood cells
C. White blood cells
D. Platelets

B. Red blood cells

Red blood cells are the most dense component of blood, so after centrifugation, they settle at the bottom of the tube.

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What is the “buffy coat” that is visible between the plasma and red blood cells after centrifugation?
A. Plasma proteins
B. White blood cells and platelets
C. Oxygenated blood
D. Blood clotting factors

B. White blood cells and platelets

The buffy coat is a thin layer that contains white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). It forms between the plasma and the red blood cells during centrifugation.

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In the process of blood separation, what role do the white blood cells play in the body?
A. Carry oxygen to tissues
B. Fight infection and protect the body
C. Aid in the clotting process
D. Regulate blood pressure

B. Fight infection and protect the body

White blood cells are a key component of the immune system and play a critical role in defending the body against infections and foreign invaders.

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What does the hematocrit measure in a blood sample?
A. The percentage of plasma in the blood
B. The total volume of blood cells in the body
C. The percentage of red blood cells in the blood
D. The number of white blood cells per microlitre of blood

C. The percentage of red blood cells in the blood

The hematocrit measures the percentage of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. It is an important test for assessing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

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A patient has a hematocrit of 42%. What does this indicate about their red blood cell volume?
A. Red blood cells make up 42% of the total blood volume
B. The patient has a high number of white blood cells
C. The patient is likely anemic
D. The blood sample contains mostly plasma

A. Red blood cells make up 42% of the total blood volume

A hematocrit of 42% means that 42% of the blood volume consists of red blood cells. This is a normal value for most adults, indicating an adequate red blood cell volume.

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The hematocrit is a commonly used diagnostic test. What is the normal range for hematocrit in adult males?
A. 37-47%
B. 42-52%
C. 52-64%
D. 55-70%

B. 42-52%
Rationale: The normal hematocrit range for adult males is typically between 42% and 52%. Females usually have slightly lower hematocrit values due to physiological differences 37-47%

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What is the primary component of plasma?
A. Water
B. Proteins
C. Red blood cells
D. Electrolytes

A. Water

Plasma is primarily composed of water (about 90%), which serves as the medium for transporting various substances, including proteins, nutrients, and waste products.

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Which of the following plasma proteins is primarily responsible for maintaining the osmotic pressure of the blood?
A. Albumin
B. Globulins
C. Fibrinogen
D. Hemoglobin

A. Albumin

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and plays a key role in maintaining osmotic pressure, which helps regulate fluid balance between blood vessels and tissues.

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Plasma contains various substances. Which of the following is NOT typically found in plasma?
A. Oxygen
B. Red blood cells
C. Hormones
D. Nutrients

B. Red blood cells

Plasma does not contain red blood cells. While plasma contains water, proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, red blood cells are a separate component found in the blood cell fraction.

Which of the following is a characteristic of plasma proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen?
A. They are involved in immune responses only
B. They are all produced by the liver
C. They help in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
D. They are responsible for producing red blood cells

B. They are all produced by the liver

Most plasma proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, are synthesized by the liver. These proteins have various functions, including maintaining blood volume, immune defense, and clotting.

Which plasma protein is directly involved in the formation of a blood clot?
A. Albumin
B. Fibrinogen
C. Globulin
D. Transferrin

B. Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a plasma protein that is converted to fibrin during the coagulation process. Fibrin forms a mesh that traps blood cells and platelets, creating a clot to stop bleeding.

What is the primary function of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in plasma?
A. To transport oxygen to tissues
B. To initiate blood clotting
C. To fight infections and provide immunity
D. To regulate fluid balance

C. To fight infections and provide immunity

Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are proteins found in plasma that play a key role in the immune system. They recognize and neutralize foreign pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

What is the main component of blood by volume?
A. Plasma
B. Red blood cells
C. White blood cells
D. Platelets

A. Plasma

Plasma makes up about 55% of total blood volume and contains water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and waste products. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets make up the remaining portion of the blood.

What is the primary role of platelets in the blood? A. To transport oxygen B. To fight infection C. To assist in blood clotting D. To regulate blood pressure

C. To assist in blood clotting ## Footnote Platelets, or thrombocytes, are involved in the clotting process by aggregating at the site of a blood vessel injury and forming a plug to stop bleeding.

How does plasma contribute to the regulation of body temperature? A. By carrying oxygen to tissues B. By distributing heat throughout the body C. By initiating immune responses D. By forming blood clots to prevent heat loss

B. By distributing heat throughout the body ## Footnote Plasma, primarily composed of water, helps distribute heat generated by metabolic activities throughout the body. The water in plasma absorbs heat and helps maintain stable body temperature by transferring heat between different body parts and organs.

Which of the following is NOT a formed element of blood? A. Red blood cells B. Platelets C. White blood cells D. Plasma

D. Plasma ## Footnote Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and is not considered a formed element. Formed elements refer to the cellular components of blood, which include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes red blood cells (RBCs) from other blood cells? A. RBCs have a nucleus and can replicate. B. RBCs are primarily involved in immune defense. C. RBCs lack a nucleus and are designed for gas transport. D. RBCs can produce antibodies.

C. RBCs lack a nucleus and are designed for gas transport. ## Footnote Unlike other blood cells, red blood cells lack a nucleus, which allows them to carry more haemoglobin and thus increases their capacity to transport oxygen. This also allows for flexibility as they squeeze through capillaries.

Which of the following is a difference between red blood cells and white blood cells (WBCs)? A. RBCs are involved in immune response, while WBCs carry oxygen. B. RBCs are nucleated, while WBCs are anucleated. C. RBCs transport oxygen, while WBCs defend the body against infection. D. RBCs are larger in size than WBCs.

C. RBCs transport oxygen, while WBCs defend the body against infection. ## Footnote Red blood cells are specialised for oxygen transport, while white blood cells are part of the immune system and protect the body against pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

What is the primary function of haemoglobin in red blood cells? A. To transport carbon dioxide B. To bind and transport oxygen C. To regulate blood pressure D. To promote blood clotting

B. To bind and transport oxygen ## Footnote Haemoglobin is an iron-bearing protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues throughout the body.

How many oxygen molecules can a single haemoglobin molecule bind? A. 1 oxygen molecule B. 2 oxygen molecules C. 3 oxygen molecules D. 4 oxygen molecules

D. 4 oxygen molecules ## Footnote Each haemoglobin molecule can bind up to 4 oxygen molecules, allowing for efficient oxygen transport throughout the body. Each red blood cell contains approximately 250 million hemoglobin molecules.

Which of the following is TRUE about leukocytes (white blood cells)? A. They lack a nucleus and are not capable of movement. B. They are crucial in the body’s defense against disease and can move into and out of blood vessels. C. They are involved in oxygen transport and do not have organelles. D. They have a lifespan of over 120 days in the blood.

B. They are crucial in the body’s defence against disease and can move into and out of blood vessels. ## Footnote Leukocytes are complete cells with a nucleus and organelles, crucial in defending the body against infections. They can move into and out of blood vessels through a process called diapedesis, enabling them to reach sites of infection.

What is the normal range for leukocytes (WBCs) in a cubic millimetre (mm3) of blood? A. 1,500 to 3,000 WBCs B. 4,800 to 10,800 WBCs C. 12,000 to 20,000 WBCs D. 25,000 to 30,000 WBCs

B. 4,800 to 10,800 WBCs ## Footnote The normal range for leukocytes in the blood is between 4,800 and 10,800 WBCs per mm3. An increase or decrease in this range can indicate infection or other medical conditions.

What is a unique characteristic of leukocytes compared to red blood cells? A. Leukocytes lack a nucleus, while red blood cells have a nucleus. B. Leukocytes are complete cells with a nucleus and organelles, unlike red blood cells. C. Leukocytes transport oxygen, while red blood cells fight infections. D. Leukocytes are smaller than red blood cells.

B. Leukocytes are complete cells with a nucleus and organelles, unlike red blood cells. ## Footnote Leukocytes are full, complete cells with a nucleus and organelles, which allow them to perform immune functions such as responding to infection. Red blood cells, on the other hand, lack a nucleus and are primarily designed for oxygen transport.

Which of the following describes the movement of leukocytes to sites of tissue damage or infection? A. Passive diffusion B. Diapedesis C. Phagocytosis D. Positive chemotaxis

D. Positive chemotaxis ## Footnote Leukocytes move toward sites of infection or tissue damage in response to chemicals released by damaged tissues, a process known as positive chemotaxis. This helps them target and fight infections.

Which of the following is a characteristic of granulocytes? A. They lack visible cytoplasmic granules and have spherical nuclei. B. They have lobed nuclei and granules in their cytoplasm that can be stained. C. They include lymphocytes and monocytes. D. They are involved in producing antibodies.

B. They have lobed nuclei and granules in their cytoplasm that can be stained. ## Footnote Granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, have granules in their cytoplasm that can be stained, and they possess lobed nuclei. These features distinguish them from agranulocytes.

Which of the following leukocytes are responsible for antibody production? A. Neutrophils B. Eosinophils C. Lymphocytes D. Monocytes

C. Lymphocytes ## Footnote B lymphocytes (B cells) produce antibodies, while T lymphocytes regulate immune responses. Both are crucial in adaptive immunity

What is the primary function of platelets? A. Oxygen transport B. Clot formation C. Antibody production D. Infection control

B. Clot formation ## Footnote Platelets, or thrombocytes, are cell fragments involved in homeostasis. They adhere to damaged vessels, release clotting factors, and form platelet plugs

Which condition is characterised by a low red blood cell count or low haemoglobin levels? A. Leukopenia B. Polycythemia C. Anemia D. Leukocytosis

C. Anemia ## Footnote Anemia reduces oxygen-carrying capacity due to a low RBC count or low hemoglobin. Causes include blood loss, iron deficiency, and bone marrow disorders

What is a hemocytoblast? A. A type of red blood cell B. A precursor to platelets C. A stem cell that produces all blood cells D. A white blood cell responsible for immunity

C. A stem cell that produces all blood cells ## Footnote Hemocytoblasts are pluripotent stem cells in the bone marrow that differentiate into erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets, making them essential for hematopoiesis.

What is the correct sequence of events in blood clotting (homeostasis)? A. Vascular spasm → Coagulation → Platelet plug formation B. Platelet plug formation → Vascular spasm → Coagulation C. Vascular spasm → Platelet plug formation → Coagulation D. Coagulation → Platelet plug formation → Vascular spasm

C. Vascular spasm → Platelet plug formation → Coagulation ## Footnote Homeostasis consists of three steps: (1) vascular spasm (vasoconstriction) (2) platelet plug formation (platelets adhere to injury) (3) coagulation (fibrin reinforces clot)

A patient with type A blood can safely receive which blood types? A. A and O B. B and AB C. AB and O D. B and O

A. A and O ## Footnote Type A blood has A antigens and anti-B antibodies. The patient can receive A blood (matching antigen) or O blood (universal donor).

What causes a transfusion reaction? A. Receiving Rh-positive blood as an Rh-negative patient B. Receiving type O blood as a type AB patient C. Receiving your own blood through auto transfusion D. Receiving the same ABO blood type

A. Receiving Rh-positive blood as an Rh-negative patient ## Footnote If an Rh-negative individual receives Rh-positive blood, their immune system produces anti-Rh antibodies, leading to hemolysis and a transfusion reaction

Which test determines blood type in a lab setting? A. Hematocrit test B. Hemoglobin test C. ABO agglutination test D. Differential WBC count

C. ABO agglutination test ## Footnote In blood typing, anti-A and anti-B sera are mixed with a blood sample. Agglutination (clumping) indicates the presence of corresponding antigens

Which of the following factors can enhance blood clotting? A. Vitamin K and calcium B. Heparin and aspirin C. Warfarin and plasmin D. Fibrinolysis and anticoagulants

A. Vitamin K and calcium ## Footnote Blood clotting (coagulation) requires several factors, including calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and vitamin K, which is necessary for synthesising clotting factors in the liver. In contrast, heparin, aspirin, and warfarin inhibit clotting by interfering with platelet function or clotting factor production.

Which of the following blood types contains anti-B antibodies in the plasma? A. Type A B. Type B C. Type AB D. Type O

A. Type A ## Footnote The ABO blood group system is determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells (RBCs). Type A blood has A antigens and produces anti-B antibodies in the plasma, which attack B antigens if incompatible blood is transfused.*

What happens during a transfusion reaction caused by mismatched blood? A. The recipient’s antibodies attack the donor’s red blood cells, causing agglutination. B. The donor’s plasma destroys the recipient’s white blood cells. C. The recipient’s red blood cells break down and increase oxygen transport. D. The donor’s haemoglobin directly bonds with the recipient’s antigens.

A. The recipient’s antibodies attack the donor’s red blood cells, causing agglutination. ## Footnote In a transfusion reaction, mismatched blood causes the recipient’s plasma antibodies to attack the donor’s RBCs, leading to agglutination (clumping). This blocks blood vessels, causing hemolysis (rupture of RBCs), which can lead to kidney failure and other complications.

Which of the following is a primary function of neutrophils? A. Phagocytosis of bacteria B. Oxygen transport C. Antibody production D. Blood clotting

A. Phagocytosis of bacteria ## Footnote Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells and serve as the first line of defense by engulfing and digesting bacteria through phagocytosis.