Erythrocytes - RBC Flashcards
How many RBCs are found in males and females
Male - 4.6 to 6.2 million
Women - 4.2 to 5.4 million
What is the Anatomy of a RBC, what do mature RBC lack
Biconcave, flexible discs, large surface area to provide room for hemoglobin
What are RBC filled with and what do they lack.
RBC are filled with a protein called hemoglobin, ATP, and carbonic anhydrase (enzyme
- Mature RBCs lack a nucleus and organelles
What does the protein hemoglobin do
Captures oxygen
- Transports O2 from lungs to tissue
- Co2 is captures by Hb from the tissue and transported back to the lungs
Hemolysis - what is the physical change during this event
RBC Bursts , blood become translucent
What is the anatomy of Hb
- 2 alpha polypeptide chains
- 2 beta polypeptide chains
- Each chain bound to a heme group
Heme = Red pigment 1 Fe (iron) atom which physically binds to oxygen
What is a heme
Heme = red pigment with one Fe (iron) atom, is the part of Hb that binds to oxygen
When does fetal Hb turn into Adult Hb
Fetal Hb turns into adult Hb once the baby is born
Which organ absorbs Iron, what vitamin aids in abosrobtion
Upper GI tract - Vitamin C
Describe what the colors of blood would look like with
Hb bound to oxygen
Hb without oxygen
Hb bound to CO2
Hb bound to CO
Hb bound to oxygen (OxyHb) - Molecule turns bright red
Hb without oxygen (Deoxy Hb) - Dark red color
Hb bound to CO2 (CarbaminoHb) - Dark red color
Hb bound to CO (Carbon monoxide posion) - Bright red
What is the process of making RBC called, where does it take place and how long does this process take
Erythropoiesis, occurs in the red bone marrow and takes 4 days
What are Reticulocytes
The stage before the final erythrocyte formation, still carrying organelles and nuclei
What does it mean when you find an excess amount of Reticulocytes and nucleated RBC
This shows signs of anemia - the red bone marrow allows these young cells to leave and start circulating
What nutrients are needed for Erythropoiesis
Folate, B12, iron
What triggers EPO and what is EPOs function
Low blood oxygen levels and anemia leads to a slow down of erythropoiesis triggering erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone secreted by the kidneys
- Stimulates red bone marrow to produce more proerythroblasts
- Accelerates RBC maturation
How long does a RBC live
120 days
What organ destroys old RBC
The spleen protein fibers traps older RBCs and large immune system cells (macrophages) destroy the old RBCS
What happens when the RBC is destroyed
Hemoglobin is broken down (amino acids are absorbed)
- Hemegroup is spilled into biliverdin and iron (iron is recycled and reused)
- Biliverdin converts into free bilirubin, then conjugated bilirubin by the liver, released into intestines and excreted in feces
What is heme without the iron called
Biliverdin
What is bilirubin, is it toxic, and how is it eliminated
Yes, is eliminated in feces and urine - yellow tint
What are some abnormal condition of the liver
Hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, blockage, infections
- The liver cannot process bilirubin and remains in circulation, causing jaundice (yellow)
What is Erythropoiesis
Formation of RBC in the red bone marrow
What is a erythroblast
Early stage RBC
What is another name for Red Blood cell
Erythocytes
