Ch.18-1 Blood Flashcards
What is blood?
A fluid connective tissue in which living blood cells are suspended in a fluid matrix (plasma)
Blood composition includes erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.
What are the formed elements of blood?
Erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets
Only WBCs are complete cells; RBCs are anucleate.
What is the color of oxygen-rich blood?
Scarlet
Oxygen-poor blood appears dark red.
What is the average blood volume for males?
5–6 L
For females, the average volume is 4–5 L.
What is hematocrit?
Percentage of erythrocytes in total blood volume
Normal hematocrit values are ~45%.
What are the general functions of blood?
- Distribution of gases and nutrients
- Regulation of body temperature and pH
- Protection against blood loss and infection
What is plasma?
A straw-colored sticky fluid that makes up the majority of blood’s volume
Plasma is ~90% water and ~10% solutes.
What are the primary solutes found in plasma?
- Proteins
- Metabolic byproducts
- Nutrients
- Ions
- Gases
- Hormones
What is erythropoiesis?
The production of red blood cells
It involves a series of differentiations in the bone marrow.
What hormone regulates erythropoiesis?
Erythropoietin (EPO)
EPO is produced mostly by the kidneys.
What is anemia?
A condition in which the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity is too low to support normal metabolism
Symptoms include fatigue, chilliness, and shortness of breath.
What are the reasons for anemia?
- Blood loss
- Not enough RBCs produced
- Too many RBCs destroyed
What is polycythemia?
A condition in which too many RBCs are present, resulting in increased blood viscosity
This can lead to slower blood flow and potential clotting.
What is the primary function of erythrocytes?
To carry gases (O2, CO2) through the circulatory system
Erythrocytes have a biconcave shape for better gas exchange.
What is the structure of hemoglobin?
A protein with a quaternary structure of 4 polypeptide chains (2 alpha & 2 beta)
Each molecule can transport four O2 molecules.
What does a reticulocyte indicate?
The rate of RBC formation
Reticulocytes account for ~1-2% of all erythrocytes in healthy individuals.
Fill in the blank: Blood doping involves removing one’s own blood and ______ prior to a sporting event.
reintroducing it
True or False: Mature RBCs have a nucleus.
False
Mature erythrocytes are anucleate.
What are the types of polycythemia?
- Polycythemia vera
- Secondary polycythemias
