blood pathophysiology

Question 1

List functions of blood and describe the composition of blood

Answer 1

1. delivery of substances needed for cellular metaolism in the tissues
2. removal of the wastes of cellular metabolism
3. defense against invading microorganisms and injury.
4. maintenance of acid-base balance.
   components:
5. 55% plasma
6. 45% formed elements

Question 2

Discuss the function of plasma and plasma proteins.

Answer 2

The function of plasma is a complex aqueous liquid containing a variety of organic and inorganic elements. The concetnration of these elements varies depending on diet, metabolic demand, hormones, and vitamins. (plasma differs from serum in that serum is plasma that has been allowed to clot in the laboratory in order to remove fibrinogen and other clotting factors that may interfere with some diagnostic tests.
plasma proteins are classified into two major groups:
1. Albumins: (60% of total plasma protein)
a.carrier molecule for both normal components of blood and drugs.
b. most essential role is regulation of the passage of water oand solutes through the capillaries. regulation of plasma oncotic pressure.
2. Globulins: accounts for about 35% of total plasma protein.
a. clotting factors, defense, transport, or regulation.
a1. clotting factors promote coagulation and stop bleeding from damaged blood vessels. antibodies
b1. include inorganic ions: electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate
c1. fibrinogen 4% of total plasma protein.

Question 3

Discuss the structure and function of formed elements of blood.

Answer 3

erythrocytes: are the most abundant cells of the blood. is a small disk with two unique properties: a bioconcave shape, and the capacity to be reversibly deformed. great surface area for gas carrier.
Leukocytes: defend the body against organisms that cause infection and also remove debris, including dead or injured host cells of all kinds.
act primarily on tissue but are transported in circulation.
classified according to structure:
granulocytes, or agranulocytes.
classified according their function: phagocytes or immunocytes.

Question 4

granulocytes

Answer 4

have many membrane bound granules in their cytoplasm. contain enzymes to kill microorganisms and catabolize debris ingested during phagocytosis. also help with inflammation and immune functions.