Blood

Question 1

General components of blood

Answer 1

35% cells and 55% plasma.
Transports gases, nutrients, waste products, proteins, Igs, hormones.
Role in maintaining body temperature.
Formed in the bone marrow –> haematopoiesis

Question 2

Blood plasma

Answer 2

Contains proteins: albumin (transports lipids), globulins, fibrinogen
Salts
Lipid
Mainly water (90%)

Question 3

Cellular components of blood

Answer 3

Erythrocytes: Biconcave, anuclear, no organelles
Leukocytes : Lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, basophils, eosinophils
Platelets (thrombocytes) : small anuclear cells, with organelles. Fragments of megakaryocytes.

Question 4

The functions of white blood cells

Answer 4

Neutrophils: acute inflammation. Phagocytosis.
Macrophages: Phagocytosis, APC, stimulation of chronic inflammation via cytokines, moves into acutely phase response.
Lymphocytes: Involved in adaptive immunity
Basophils: Phagocytosis, heparin (anticoagulant) and histamine production.
Eosinophils: Involved in allergy. Involved in immune defences against parasite/helminths.
Mast cells: Acute inflammation via histamine

Question 5

Blood analysis: HCT

Answer 5

The fraction of blood composed of red blood cells.

Question 6

Blood analysis: ESR

Answer 6

Erythrocytes sedimentation rate. Rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom. Quicker = inflammation

Question 7

Blood analysis: Hb

Answer 7

Total amount of haemoglobin in the blood

Question 8

Blood analysis: MCH

Answer 8

Mean cell haemoglobin, from Hb and RBC

Question 9

Blood analysis: MCV

Answer 9

Mean cell volume. Average volume of a red blood cell.

Question 10

Blood analysis: MCHC

Answer 10

Average concentration of Hb in a given volume of packed red blood cells.

Question 11

Abnormal test results

Answer 11

High numbers of RBCs or Hb: dehydration

Low RBCs or Hb: anaemia

Question 12

Leukopenia

Leukocytosis

Answer 12

Lower number of WBCs than expected.

Greater number of WBCs than expected.