Blood components & functions Flashcards
Eosinophils are for
Allergic reactions
Basophils produce
Histamine
Monocytes are for
Viruses, bacterial parasites,chronic infections (phagocytic)
T-cells are for
Tutors and viruses
B-cells produce
Antibodies
Neutrophils are
One of the first responders to sight of infection or trauma. Inhibit bacteria and fungi
What are the components of our blood?
Plasma, buffy coat and erythrocytes
What makes up plasma?
Water, proteins and other solutes
What makes up buffy coat?
Platelets and leukocytes
What is the name of the process that makes formed elements(erythrocytes, leukocutes and thrombocytes)
Haemopoiesis
The haematocrit provides information about
Plasma composition
What plasma protein essential for coagulation?
fibrinogen
Erythropoiesis increases when:
oxygen levels in the blood decrease.
The most numerous white blood cells in the circulation are the
Neutrophils
Old and damaged erythrocytes are destroyed in the:
Spleen and liver
Most of the iron that is removed from degraded haemoglobin is:
Recycled by the bone marrow
What protein is most abundant in erythrocytes?
haemoglobin
An increase in the viscosity of blood would be caused by an increase in:
Platelets
Red blood cell production is regulated by the hormone
erythropoietin
The average lifespan of a red blood cell is:
120 days
What are the major components of whole blood?
Plasma and formed elements
What are formed elements?
RBC, WBC, PLATELETS
What is the primary function of haemoglobin?
To carry oxygen
In the blood of a person suffering from a viral infection, you would expect to see increased numbers of:
Lymphocytes
Thehaematocrit provides information about:
plasma composition
Which plasma protein essential for coagulation?
Fibrinogen
In adults, the only site of red blood cell production, and the primary site of white blood cell formation, is the
Red bonne marrow
The composition of plasma is closest to that of
interstitial fluid
Plasma proteins essential in body defence are the
immunoglobulins
The enzyme that digests fibrin to dissolve a clot is:
plasmin
White blood cells that are increased in allergic individuals are the
eosinophils
White blood cells that release histamine at the site of an injury are:
Basophils
What are the large phagocytic white cells that spend most of their time outside the blood in the tissues?
Macrophages
What is the cascade of reactions that ends up with the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin?
Coagulation
Albumin plays an important role in:
Fluid balance and transporting lipids
Haemoglobin has a number of functions in red blood cells. One of which is the ability to directly buffer acids. What would haemaglobin be doing to have this buffering action?
Transporting carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs
Jennifer donates a unit of blood at the Red Cross. Which of the following would you expect to see in increased numbers in her blood a few days after this donation?
reticulocytes
Reticulocytes are:
slightly immature red blood cells
List the physical characteristics of blood
- Blood is a red, sticky, opaque, fluid connective tissue
- It has a pH of around 7.4 and a slightly higher viscosity than water.
- Blood constitutes about 7% to 8% of total body weight.
How much blood in an adult
5-6 L males
4 - 5 L women
What is the function of water in plasma?
Blood volume and regulation of body temperature
What is the functions of proteins in plasma?
Proteins in plasma, such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, contribute to osmotic balance, transport of substances, and blood clotting
What is the functions of electrolytes in plasma?
Fluid balance and pH
What happens to old or damaged erythrocytes?
They are removed by the spleen and liver and their components are recycled.
What are the stages of haemostasis and their purpose
- Vascular spasm constricts blood vessels to reduce blood flow.
- Platelet plug formation involves platelets adhering to damaged blood vessel walls and forming a plug to stop bleeding.
- Coagulation involves a cascade of reactions that lead to the formation of a fibrin clot to reinforce the platelet plug and seal the wound.
What factors effect erythropoesis?
iron availability, adequate nutrients (such as vitamin B12 and folic acid), and appropriate regulation of the hormone erythropoetin
Where is erythropoetin secreted from?
the kidneys, in response to low oxygen levels
What is erythropoetin?
The production of red blood cells
What is a dyscrasia?
an abnormality or disorder of the blood
What are some examples of dyscrasias?
anaemia (low red blood cell count),
leukocytosis (high white blood cell count),
thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
What causes dyscrasias?
nutritional deficiencies, genetic disorders, autoimmune conditions, or underlying diseases
