H2 Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the metabolism of the haemoglobin molecule
A
- erythrocyte dies after 120 day life span
- haem broken down into iron, carbon monoxide and unconjugated bilirubin:
- > iron: transported to bone marrow by transferrin
- > unconjugated bilirubin: changed to conjugated bilirubin
- globin: broken into amino acids, recycled
2
Q
Define anaemia
A
Haemoglobin concentration lower than normal for the age and sex of the person: < 130g/l in males and 115g/l in females
3
Q
What are the causes of anaemia?
A
- Decreased production of Red Cells
- Increased destruction of Red Cells
- Loss of Red Cells due to bleeding
4
Q
What is the difference between acute and chronic anaemia?
A
Acute anaemia caused by haemorrhaging or rapid blood loss; chronic anaemia caused by chronic blood loss from peptic ulcers, iron deficiency, etc.
5
Q
What are the functions of the red blood cell?
A
Transport O2 and CO2
Large surface area for gas exchange
Acid buffer
6
Q
What red blood cell indices does a laboratory analyser give?
A
Mean cell volume: average size of red blood cells in a blood sample
Mean cell haemoglobin: average quantity of haemoglobin present in a single red blood cell
