General Blood, Plasma, and Erythrocytes

Question 1

What does blood carry through blood vessels? (4)

Answer 1

1. Nutrients
2. Hormones
3. Wastes
4. Body heat

Question 2

What is the pH range of blood?

Answer 2

pH 7.35-7.45 → slightly alkaline

Question 3

What is the temperature of blood and how does it compare to that of regular body temperature? (2)

Answer 3

1. 38 degrees C

2. The body is usually around 37 degrees C

Question 4

How much body weight in % does blood account for?

Answer 4

8% blood in mass

Question 5

What are the 2 main components of blood? (2)

Answer 5

1. Plasma

2. Formed elements

Question 6

What’s the difference between plasma and serum?

Answer 6

Serum does not contain any blood or clotting factors while plasma does

Question 7

What % of the blood is made up of plasma and what % is made up of formed elements? (2)

Answer 7

1. About 55% plasma

2. About 45% formed elements

Question 8

List 6 components, other than water, that plasma contains. (6)

Answer 8

1. Nutrients
2. Salts
3. Respiratory gases
4. Hormones
5. Plasma proteins
6. Waste

Question 9

Where does plasma sit in a centrifuged sample and why? (2)

Answer 9

1. At the top

2. It is the lightest compared to the buffy coat and formed elements

Question 10

What % of plasma is water and thus, what % remains for proteins and other materials? (2)

Answer 10

1. About 90% water (makes up the liquid part of blood)

2. About 10% leftover for proteins (such as clotting proteins) and other materials

Question 11

What forms 60% of the non-water portion of plasma?

Answer 11

Albumin

Question 12

What is included in formed elements? (3)

Answer 12

1. Erythrocytes (RBCs)
2. Leukocytes (WBCs)
3. Platelets

Question 13

Name the 2 types of red blood cells based on maturity. (2)

Answer 13

1. Erythrocyte → mature red blood cells

2. Reticulocyte → immature, young blood cells

Question 14

What shape do red blood cells have and why? (2)

Answer 14

1. Bioconcave disc shape (indentation/depression on either side of the central areas)
2. Increase surface area for optimal iron-carrying and gas exchange

Question 15

What is the #1 function of erythrocytes?

Answer 15

Bring oxygen to all cells in the body

Question 16

What part of an erythrocyte binds to oxygen and thus carries it?

Answer 16

Hemoglobin/ Haemoglobin

Question 17

What is hemoglobin known as?

Answer 17

The iron-containing pigment of erythrocytes

Question 18

Briefly describe the purpose of bilirubin. (1)

Answer 18

Breaks down heme

Question 19

Define: erythropoietin

Answer 19

Hormone which controls the rate of erythrocyte production

Question 20

Where is erythropoietin produced? (2)

Answer 20

1. Mainly by the kidneys

2. Minorly by the livers

Question 21

When would kidneys increase erythropoietin production?

Answer 21

When the blood level of oxygen begins to decline

Question 22

What does erythropoietin target to control the rate of erythrocyte production?

Answer 22

The bone marrow → increased erythrocyte production