Blood Flashcards
Name the two phases of the blood.
Cellular component (45%) i.e. red cells, white cells, platelets Fluid component (55%) i.e. plasma
How many litres of blood do we have?
5 litres
What term is given to the volume of red blood cells we have?
Haematocrit
What is the normal haematocrit?
0.45
What is haemopoiesis?
The process of the production of blood cells and platelets which continue through life
Where does haemopoiesis occur in adults, children and in utero?
Bone marrow of axial skeleton in adults.
Bone marrow of all bones in children.
In utero occurs in yolk sac, liver and spleen
Give the lifetime of red blood cells.
120 days
Give the lifetime of white blood cells.
6 hours
Give the lifetime of platelets.
7-10 days
What condition will a patient have if precursor cells of red blood cells are found in blood?
Leukaemia
Which hormones stimulate red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to proliferate?
RBC = erythropoietin WBC = G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) Platelets = Tpo
Will the oxygen dissociation curve of RBC shift right or left when PH is decreased/temperature increased?
Shifts to the right. Hb’s affinity for oxygen decreases as it becomes denatured by acidic PH and higher temp.
Will the oxygen dissociation curve of RBC shift right or left when PH is increased/temperature decreased?
Shifts to the left. Hb’s affinity for oxygen increases when there is a lower partial pressure of CO2 and the cells will not need as much oxygen.
What term is given to a young red blood cell?
Reticulocyte
What does oxygen reversibly bind to within haemoglobin?
Fe2+ in haem
Describe the quaternary structure of haemoglobin.
2 alpha chains
2 beta chains
4 haem groups
Name the 4 blood groups and rank them in order of most common to least.
Most common: O
A
B
Most rare: AB
Which antibodies do type A individuals have?
Anti-B antibodies
Which antibodies do type B individuals have?
Anti-A antibodies
Which antibodies do type AB individuals have?
Neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies as type AB has A + B antigens. Individuals are universal recipients.
Which antibodies do type O individuals have?
Both anti-A and anti-B antibodies as type O have no A or B antigens. Individuals are universal donors. O antigen is recessive.
What does rhesus positive mean?
D antigen is present
What general condition means a reduction in haemoglobin in blood?
Anaemia
What general condition means an increase in haemoglobin in blood?
Polycthaemia
Give the normal haemoglobin range.
12.5 - 15.5 g/dl
What are the symptoms of anaemia?
Tiredness
Malaise (discomfort)
Shortness of breath
Angina
What are the signs of anaemia?
Glossitis (sore tongue) Kylonychia (spoon shaped nails caused by iron deficiency) Angular stomatitis (cracking at corners of mouth)
Name some classifications of anaemia.
Iron deficiency
B12/folate deficiency
Haemolysis
Bone marrow failure
Describe iron deficiency anaemia.
Iron is needed for haemoglobin production. Lack of iron leads to reduced red cell production.