chapter 17: blood system Flashcards
What are the main functions of blood?
Transportation, Defense, Regulation, Clotting, Temperature stabilization.
What type of tissue is blood classified as?
Liquid connective tissue.
What is the normal pH of blood?
7.35 – 7.45 (slightly basic).
How much blood does an average human have?
About 5 liters.
How does blood help regulate body temperature?
Low temp: Blood moves to protect vital organs.
High temp: Blood distributes heat to the skin for cooling.
What are the two main components of blood?
Plasma (55%) and Formed elements (45%).
What is plasma mostly made of?
92% water, 7% proteins, 1% other solutes.
What are the key plasma proteins and their functions?
Albumin: Regulates osmotic pressure.
Globulin: Aids in immune defense.
Fibrinogen: Helps with clotting.
What is the main function of red blood cells (RBCs)?
Transport oxygen (O2) and remove carbon dioxide (CO2).
What are some key characteristics of RBCs?
- Shape and purpose for shape
- Nucelus present?
- Life span
- Contains…?
Biconcave shape for flexibility, No nucleus (anucleated), Lifespan: 120 days, Contains hemoglobin (300 million molecules per RBC).
What is hematocrit?
Percentage of RBCs in total blood volume.
Female: 37–47%
Male: 42–52%.
Where does erythropoiesis (RBC production) occur?
In red bone marrow (medullary cavity of flat bones & epiphysis of long bones).
What hormone regulates RBC production and where is it produced?
Erythropoietin (EPO), produced by the kidneys.
What conditions stimulate erythropoiesis?
Anemia, hypoxia, low hemoglobin, or reduced kidney blood flow.
What is the primary function of WBCs?
Defend the body against infections.
What are the five types of WBCs?
Neutrophils (50–70%): First responders, attack bacteria.
Eosinophils (2–4%): Combat parasites & allergies.
Basophils (0.5–1%): Release histamine (inflammation).
Lymphocytes (25–45%): Produce antibodies (B cells) & attack invaders (T cells).
Monocytes (3–8%): Become macrophages & engulf pathogens.
What is leukopoiesis?
Production of WBCs, stimulated by colony-stimulating factors (CSF) & interleukins (IL).
What are platelets and their function?
Cell fragments from megakaryocytes, help with clotting.
What hormone regulates platelet production and what is it produced by?
Thrombopoietin, made by the liver.
What is the lifespan of platelets?
9–12 days.
What is sickle cell anemia?
A mutation in hemoglobin that deforms RBCs, making them less effective at carrying oxygen.
What is hemophilia?
A rare disorder where blood does not clot properly due to missing clotting factors.
What is thrombocytopenia?
A low platelet count, leading to excessive bleeding.
What is a thrombus?
A blood clot that forms in an uninjured blood vessel, restricting blood flow.
