Concepts in Haematology

Question 1

Why might cell count be low?

Answer 1

Increased destruction
Reduced production
Redistribution

Question 2

Why might cell count be high?

Answer 2

Increased production due to a stimulus
Increased production without a stimulus (malignancy)
Redistribution

Question 3

List the different types of marrow activity

Answer 3

Hyperplasia (increase production)
Dysplasia (disordered proliferation)
Hypoplasia (reduced production)
Aplasia (no production)

Question 4

Why must the bone marrow be very active within the body?

Answer 4

Many cells have a short life in circulation, thus must be very active to maintain homeostasis

Question 5

What cells within the body detect hypoxia/ anaemia in the blood?

Answer 5

Interstitial fibroblasts near peritubular capillaries and proximal convulated tubule in the kidney

Question 6

Stimulation of the hypoxic sensor in the kidney triggers production of which hormone?

Answer 6

Erythropoetin

Question 7

Whar is the function of erythropoetin?

Answer 7

Stimulation of cell divison of red cell precursors and recruits more cells to red cell production in marrow

Question 8

Define erythroid hyperplasia

Answer 8

Increased erythropoietin production due to chronic hypoxemia (for example chronic lung disease or tumours) or from an increased peripheral erythrocyte loss (for example hemolytic anemias)

Question 9

Which enzymes are vital in the production of red blood cells?

Answer 9

Vitamin B12

Folate

Question 10

List raw materials needed to form red blood cells

Answer 10

Haem (porphyrin ring - Fe2+, iron)

Globins

Question 11

What is the name for an immature red blood cell?

Answer 11

Reticulocyte

Question 12

Worn out red blood cells are recycled by ____ in the ____

Answer 12

Macrophages

Spleen

Question 13

List the products of recycled red blood cells

Answer 13

Iron (for haemoglobin)
Amino acids (for globin synthesis)
Billirubin