C3 - Blood Components Flashcards
What are the main components of blood?
Plasma, erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and thrombocytes (platelets).
What is plasma?
The fluid portion of blood (55%) made of water, proteins, hormones, dissolved gases, vitamins, and minerals.
What is the formed portion of blood?
The 45% of blood composed of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes.
What are the three main functions of the circulatory system?
Transport, regulation, and protection.
How does the circulatory system assist digestion?
It transports nutrients from the small intestine.
How does the circulatory system assist respiration?
It transports oxygen from the alveoli to the body and removes CO₂.
What is vasodilation?
The widening of blood vessels to increase heat transfer (e.g., sweating).
What is vasoconstriction?
The narrowing of blood vessels to decrease heat transfer (e.g., frostbite).
What is the function of erythrocytes (red blood cells)?
Transport oxygen using hemoglobin.
Why do erythrocytes have a biconcave shape?
To increase surface area for diffusion.
Where are red blood cells produced?
In the bone marrow.
What is the function of leukocytes (white blood cells)?
To fight infections and support the immune system.
What are the three types of leukocytes?
Granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes.
What is the function of granulocytes?
Includes neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils that stay in the bloodstream to fight infections.
What is the function of monocytes?
Can exit the bloodstream and become macrophages to engulf pathogens.
What is the function of lymphocytes?
Produce antibodies (B cells and T cells) to fight infections.
What is phagocytosis?
The process where leukocytes engulf and destroy foreign particles.
What is the function of thrombocytes (platelets)?
Initiate blood clotting to prevent excessive blood loss.
How do platelets help clot blood?
They produce fibrin, which forms an insoluble clot around the injury.
What is anemia?
A condition where there are too few red blood cells or hemoglobin, reducing oxygen flow.
What causes anemia?
Iron deficiency, bone marrow damage.
What is sickle cell anemia?
A genetic disorder where red blood cells are sickle-shaped, disrupting blood flow and reducing oxygen transport.
What is hemophilia?
An inherited disorder where blood lacks clotting proteins, leading to excessive bleeding.
How is hemophilia treated?
With Factor VIII injections.
What is leukemia?
Cancer of the white blood cells.
What are the two types of leukemia?
Myeloid (too many immature leukocytes) and lymphoid (too many lymphocytes).
How is leukemia treated?
Blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplants.
What are capillary beds?
Networks of capillaries that allow exchange via diffusion.
How does training at high altitudes affect blood?
It increases red blood cell count to compensate for lower oxygen availability.
