Case 4 Flashcards
What are the 4 main components of blood
RBCs- erythrocytes
White blood cells- leukocytes
Platelets- thrombocytes
Fluid-plasma
What is the haematocrit
The proportion of the blood that is taken up by red blood cells
What is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate
The rate at which RBCs settle in a tube under the forces of gravity
With anaemia, is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate greater or smaller
Greater
How wide is an erythrocyte
6-8mm
How long does an average erythrocyte live
120 days
How long do platelets last in the circulation
7-14 days
What is the proteins role in the plasma (5)
Reserve supply of amino acids Carriers for other molecules Act as buffers Help blood to coagulate Oncotic pressure
What are globulins
Proteins in the blood plasma that transport lipid and vitamins with some being immunoglobins
What is albumin
A negatively charged protein making up 60% of the blood
Has a role in maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting substances
How does oncotic pressure vary as you go along a capillary bed
It stays the same (slight raise towards venous end as fluid volume decreases)
What are electrolytes role in the blood
They maintain osmotic balance
What other substances are in the blood beyond proteins, electrolytes and blood cells
Glucose for energy Amino acids for protein synthesis Hormones Dissolved gases Vitamins and minerals Urea and uric acid
How does hydrostatic pressure vary as you go through a capillary
It decreases
How can heart effect hydrostatic pressure in a capillary why
There may be increased hydrostatic pressure at the venous end as there is a back up in the system which may result in less fluid going back into the capillary at this end
How can nephrosis alter oncotic pressure
This may decrease it as there will be decreased albumin synthesis
What visible symptoms caused by a change in increased hydrostatic or reduced oncotic pressure result in
An oedema
How can a compromised immune system result in an oedema
Localised oedema can occur upon the removal of a lymph node
The immune system may also form an oedema on injury to allow an influx of chemical mediators into the site of injury to fight off any potential infection
Where is the spleen situated
In the left hypochondrium
What arteries supply the spleen
The splenic artery and vein
What is the function of white pulp in the spleen
It is part of the immune system and is mainly made up of white blood cells
What is the function of red pulp in the spleen
It is made up of connective tissue and filters the blood for antigens, microorganisms and defective red blood cells
What are the main key functions of the spleen
It's a lymphoid organ for the immune system Removes old erythrocytes in the red pulp Screens for pathogens in the white pulp Stores platelets Stores iron
Where are antigens found on erythrocytes and what are they
The surface attached to glycolipids or glycoproteins
they are short sugar chains