Body Fluid Compartment Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two main body fluid compartments?

A

Intracellular Fluid (ICF) and Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

ICF makes up 40% of total body weight, while ECF accounts for 20%.

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2
Q

What percentage of an adult’s body weight is water?

A

Approximately 60%

This percentage varies with age, body fat, and other factors.

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3
Q

What is the primary cation found in Intracellular Fluid (ICF)?

A

Potassium (K⁺)

K⁺ is critical for cell membrane potential and neuromuscular function.

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4
Q

What components make up the Extracellular Fluid (ECF)?

A

Interstitial fluid, plasma, and transcellular fluids

Interstitial fluid occupies spaces between cells, plasma is the liquid component of blood, and transcellular fluids include specialized fluids in body cavities.

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5
Q

What is the role of Sodium (Na⁺) in Extracellular Fluid (ECF)?

A

Important in osmotic balance, blood pressure regulation, and nerve conduction

Na⁺ is the primary cation in ECF.

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6
Q

What is transcellular fluid?

A

A minor component of ECF, includes specialized fluids like cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid

Transcellular fluid comprises 1-2% of body weight.

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7
Q

How does water move between fluid compartments?

A

Through osmosis, influenced by solute concentration gradients

Sodium and potassium ions particularly influence osmotic pressure.

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8
Q

Define osmolarity.

A

Total concentration of solute particles per liter of solution

Osmolarity determines the movement of water between compartments.

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9
Q

What is the primary method for measuring body fluid compartments?

A

Dilution method

Involves injecting a tracer substance and measuring its concentration.

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10
Q

List common tracers used for measuring body fluid compartments.

A
  • Heavy water (D₂O) for total body water
  • Inulin for extracellular fluid
  • Evans blue dye for plasma volume

These tracers do not penetrate cell membranes.

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11
Q

What are the main characteristics of blood?

A
  • Volume: 7-8% of body weight
  • Viscosity: Five times that of water
  • pH: Ranges from 7.35 to 7.45
  • Color: Bright red when oxygenated, dark red when deoxygenated

These characteristics affect blood flow and function.

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12
Q

What is the primary function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

A

Transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs

Hemoglobin in RBCs binds reversibly to oxygen.

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13
Q

What are the components of blood plasma?

A
  • Water (90-92%)
  • Plasma proteins (7-8%)
  • Electrolytes, nutrients, gases, and waste products

Plasma proteins include albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen.

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14
Q

What is hematopoiesis?

A

The process of blood cell formation occurring primarily in red bone marrow

Hematopoiesis is regulated by cytokines and growth factors.

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15
Q

True or False: Blood is slightly acidic.

A

False

Blood is slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.

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16
Q

What role do platelets play in blood?

A

Essential for blood clotting and wound repair

Platelets aggregate at sites of vessel injury to prevent excessive bleeding.

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17
Q

Fill in the blank: The pH of blood is maintained within a narrow range of _______.

A

7.35 to 7.45

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18
Q

What is the life span of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

A

Approximately 120 days

Senescent RBCs are removed by macrophages in the spleen and liver.

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19
Q

What triggers erythropoiesis?

A

Erythropoietin (EPO)

EPO is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels.

20
Q

What is the function of white blood cells (leukocytes)?

A

Immune defense by identifying and neutralizing pathogens

Leukocytes include granulocytes and agranulocytes.

21
Q

What is the role of macrophages in the removal of red blood cells?

A

Macrophages in the spleen and liver remove senescent red blood cells.

This process involves the breakdown of hemoglobin, releasing iron and bilirubin.

22
Q

What hormone stimulates erythropoiesis?

A

Erythropoietin (EPO)

EPO is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels and accelerates RBC production in the bone marrow.

23
Q

What are the three types of granulocytes?

A
  • Neutrophils
  • Eosinophils
  • Basophils

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response.

24
Q

What is the primary function of neutrophils?

A

Phagocytosing bacteria and dead cells

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells and act as first responders in inflammation.

25
Q

Which white blood cells are involved in combating parasitic infections?

A

Eosinophils

Eosinophils play a crucial role in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.

26
Q

What is the role of basophils in the immune response?

A

Release histamine during allergic reactions

Basophils contribute to inflammatory responses.

27
Q

What types of lymphocytes are there?

A
  • B cells
  • T cells
  • Natural killer (NK) cells

These cells are essential for various immune functions, including antibody production and cellular immunity.

28
Q

What is the function of monocytes?

A

Differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells

Monocytes are important for phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and immune regulation.

29
Q

What are the primary functions of leukocytes?

A
  • Defend against infections
  • Promote tissue repair
  • Remove cellular debris

Leukocytes play a critical role in maintaining the body’s immune system.

30
Q

What is the structure of platelets?

A

Small, anucleate cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes

Platelets are essential for blood clotting and repair.

31
Q

What triggers the clotting cascade during platelet activation?

A

Adhesion to damaged blood vessels

This leads to aggregation and the release of substances that promote clotting.

32
Q

What is the main component of plasma?

A

Water

Water serves as a solvent for transport and reactions in the bloodstream.

33
Q

What are the main types of proteins found in plasma?

A
  • Albumin
  • Globulins
  • Fibrinogen

These proteins are involved in osmotic balance, immune response, and clotting.

34
Q

What is anemia?

A

A condition characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration

This leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.

35
Q

What is iron-deficiency anemia caused by?

A

Insufficient iron intake or absorption

This type of anemia is common and can be addressed through dietary changes or supplements.

36
Q

What is pernicious anemia due to?

A

Vitamin B12 deficiency

This condition is often related to impaired absorption of vitamin B12.

37
Q

What characterizes sickle cell anemia?

A

Abnormal hemoglobin that causes RBCs to sickle

This genetic disorder impairs blood flow and can lead to various complications.

38
Q

What are common symptoms of anemia?

A
  • Fatigue
  • Pallor
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased heart rate

These symptoms arise due to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

39
Q

What is leukemia?

A

A type of cancer characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells

This occurs in the bone marrow.

40
Q

What are the types of leukemia?

A
  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Each type has distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.

41
Q

What are common symptoms of leukemia?

A
  • Frequent infections
  • Fatigue
  • Anemia
  • Bleeding tendencies

These symptoms are due to the disruption of normal blood cell production.

42
Q

What is hemophilia?

A

An inherited disorder that impairs the body’s ability to form clots

This is caused by deficiencies in specific clotting factors.

43
Q

What are symptoms of hemophilia?

A
  • Prolonged bleeding
  • Spontaneous bleeding episodes
  • Joint damage due to bleeding

These symptoms can lead to serious complications if not managed properly.

44
Q

What is thrombosis?

A

Formation of a clot within a blood vessel

This can obstruct blood flow, such as in deep vein thrombosis.

45
Q

What is an embolism?

A

A clot that detaches and travels through the bloodstream

It can potentially lodge in vessels of critical organs, such as in pulmonary embolism.