Blood components Flashcards
The study of blood
Hematology
Number signifying the acidity or alkalinity of a solution
pH (potential of hydrogen)
Resistance to flow of a liquid, as in blood
Viscosity
-Transportation of O2, nutrients, and hormones
-Transportation of waste
-Temp regulation
-Control of pH
-Control of H2O balance
-Defense against infection
-Blood clotting
Functions of blood
-Blood is a type of connective tissue
-Blood is viscous (has thicker consistency)
-pH slightly basic 7.35 - 7.45
-Blood temp is normally 98.6F
-Components: plasma and formed elements
-55% plasma and 45% blood cells
Basics of blood
Liquid portion of blood containing the non-cellular components functioning in transporting substances around the body
-91% H2O
-Other components include proteins, waste products, nutrients, electrolytes, immunoglobulins, and H2O
-Responsible for transporting CO2
Plasma
Blood plasma, excluding clotting factors; the watery, amber-colored portion of the blood after coagulation occurs
-Essentially plasma without fibrinogen
Serum
A protein found in blood plasma
-Functions mostly in transporting substances
Albumin
Functions in blood clotting and immunity
Globulin
Functions in blood clotting
Fibrinogen and Prothrombin
Red blood cells functioning mainly in transporting O2
-Tough but flexible and able to easily change shape
-Plasma membrane allows for flexibility and holds structures
-Biconcave
-No nucleus
-Red pigment is hemoglobin
-Hemoglobin functions in binding with O2
Erythrocytes
White blood cells functioning in immune response
-several types
-contain a nucleus
-do no contain hemoglobin
-able to leave the bloodstream and move into the body
-classifications include Granulocytes and Agranulocytes
Leukocytes
Leukocytes responsible for attacking foreign invaders in the body.
-Subcategories: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
Granulocytes
Leukocytes functioning mainly in phagocytosis and acute inflammatory response
-Able to recognize foreign antigens on bacteria and fungi
-Will then proceed to phagocytize these invaders
-Quickest and most numerous leukocyte to respond to a foreign invader
Neutrophils
Leukocytes functioning in defense against parasitic invaders, chronic inflammation, and allergic responses.
-Phagocytize parasitic invaders
-Also function in response to cancer cells
Eosinophils
Function as “alarm cells”
-Histamine: allergic reactions
-Heparin: inhibits blood clotting
-Platelet: activating factors
Basophils
Leukocytes that recognize and react to antigens.
-Subcategories: Lymphocytes and monocytes
Agranulocytes
Leukocytes functioning in acquired (specific) immune response
-B cells produce antibodies
-T cells activate immune response
Lymphocytes
Leukocytes that function in phagocytizing invaders
-Response to infections and inflammation
-Macrophages are subtype that function directly in the removal and breakdown of foreign substances
Monocytes
Cell fragments that function in blood clotting
-Contain chemicals that trigger blood clot formation
-Do no contain an nucleus
-React with fibrin to form blood blots at the site of injury
-Shaped like red blood cells when not active
-Dendritic shape when active
Thrombocytes
Blood clotting
-Begins with an injury to blood vessel
-Steps include primary and secondary
Hemostasis
The formation of a weak plug.
-Vasoconstriction occurs
-Platelets attach to the injury site and to each other
-Platelets begin to adhere and secrete cytoplasmic granules
Primary hemostasis
Allows for the plug formed to be stabilized and strengthened.
-Clotting factors activate
-Calcium is a necessity: activates platelets, activates several coagulation factors, links fibrin clots
-Prothrombin is dependent on vitaminK
Secondary hemostasis
What is the process of clotting in secondary hemostasis?
-Thromboplastin (enzyme) converts (activates) prothrombin (protein) to thrombin (enzyme)
-Thrombin activates the platelets that created a weak plug
3. Fibrinogen (protein) is converted (activated) by thrombin (enzyme) to fibrin (protein)
4. Thrombin and fibrin work together to stabilize the blood clot
