Haematology 1b The Red Cell

Question 1

Define Hematopoiesis

Answer 1

The differentiation processes that lead to the formation of all blood cells from haematopoietic stem cells.

Question 2

Define Erythropoiesis

Answer 2

The process which produces the red blood cell

Question 3

How many haemoglobin molecules are found in a red blood cell?

Answer 3

270 million

Question 4

Haemoglobin performs the main functions of the red blood cells which is to what?

Answer 4

Carry oxygen to the tissues and returning CO2

Question 5

Haemoglobin is a 4 component structure describe this structure.

Answer 5

• Two alpha chains

- Two beta chains.

Question 6

What is an Erythrocyte?

Answer 6

Red blood cell

Question 7

Where is erythropoietin (EPO) released?

Major?
Minor?

Answer 7

• Kidney

- Liver

Question 8

EPO production Is stimulated by? (4)

Answer 8

• Hypoxia
• High Altitude
• Exercise
• Cardiac/Pulmonary disease

Question 9

What ultimately is the role of EPO?

Answer 9

Restore normal blood oxygen levels

Question 10

How does EPO restore normal blood oxygen levels? (3)

Answer 10

1. EPO stimulates red bone marrow
2. Enhanced erythropoiesis increases RBC count
3. This increases oxygen carrying ability of blood

Question 11

How long does RBC break down take?

Answer 11

120 days

Question 12

What is anaemia?

Answer 12

• Decrease in the level of haemoglobin in the blood (below the normal)
• Reduction in the ability of the blood to carry oxygen

Question 13

What are some of the symptoms of anaemia? (3)

Answer 13

• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Angina

Question 14

What is Polycythaemia?

Answer 14

• Overproduction of RBCs

- Increase blood viscosity and reduced flow rate of blood

Question 15

What could Polycythaemia lead to?

Answer 15

Embolism, stroke or heart failure

Question 16

What is primary Polycythaemia?

Answer 16

Stem cell disorder leading to excessive erythropoiesis

Question 17

What is secondary Polycythaemia?

Answer 17

Due to increase in EPO production

Question 18

What can lead to a reduced red blood cell production (2)

Answer 18

• Deficiency states (B12, folate and iron deficiencies)

- Bone marrow failure

Question 19

What conditions can lead to an increased destruction in RBCs? (3)

Answer 19

• Sickle cell disease and Thalassaemia
• G6PD deficiency
• Hereditary diseases

Question 20

What is the most common anaemia?

Answer 20

Iron deficiency anaemia

Question 21

What are some of the mouth signs of iron deficiency? (4)

Answer 21

• Atrophic glossitis (sore tongue)
• Angular cheilitis (inflammation of corner of mouth)
• Ulceration
• Pallor of oral mucosa

Question 22

What group is most affected by B12 deficiency?

Answer 22

Most common in women (55-60 years old)

Question 23

What are some of the causes of B12 deficiency? (5)

Answer 23

• Pernicious anaemia
• Gastrectomy (surgery on stomach)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Nitrous oxide use
• Crohn’s disease

Question 24

What are some of the dental aspects linked to B12 deficiency?

Answer 24

• Beefy red tongue
• Angular cheilitis (inflammation of corner of mouth)
• Tingling sensations

Question 25

What can cause folate deficiency? (3)

Answer 25

• Chronic alcoholism
• Drug induced
• HIV

Question 26

How can you treat folate deficiency?

Answer 26

Daily oral folic acid use

Question 27

What conditions are abnormalities of Haemoglobin formation? (2)

Answer 27

• Sickle cell disease

- Thalassaemia

Question 28

What conditions are abnormalities of Erythrocyte structure and function? (2)

S E

Answer 28

• Hereditary spherocytosis and eliptocytosis

- G6DP deficiency

Question 29

What are some of the Orofacial manifestations of someone with sickle cell anaemia? (4)

Answer 29

• Painful infarcts in jaw
• Hypercementosis
• Excessive overbite
• Hypomineralised teeth