Haematology Flashcards
What makes up the composition of blood?
Blood-connective tissue
When blood is spun in a centrifuge, separates into 2 main layers- formed elements and plasma
What is the reason for the RBC biconcave shape?
Gives a larger SA for carrying oxygen
Flexibility to squeeze through smallest capillaries
What makes up a mature RBC?
Lacks a nucleus
Most of the organelles are normally found in cells
What is the function of haemoglobin?
Iron containing red pigment
Vital for life
Picking up oxygen inhaled into the lungs and delivers it throughout the body
Name the 5 main types of WBC?
Monocyte
Eosinophil
Basophils
Lymphocytes
Neutrophil
What is the main function of WBC?
Inflammation and immune response
What are platelets?
Cell fragments of stem cells (megakaryocytes) produced in red bone marrow
What’s the function of platelets?
Important in blood clotting
When bleeding occurs, platelets swell-clump together-form a sticky plug-helps stop bleeding
What are the 3 cellular components/formed elements of blood?
RBC
WBC
Platelets
What is plasma?
Blood components suspended in a fluid matrix
Contains water, proteins and ions
What are the main characteristics of blood?
Opaque red in colour metallic taste salty pH 7.35-7.45 viscous- thick/sticky consistency biconcave
What is the function of neutrophils?
First to arrive at site of injury
Very active
Short-lived phagocyte
When dead, releases chemicals attracting more WBC
What is the function of eosinophils?
Numbers increase in parasitic infections and allergic reactions
What is the function of basophils?
Migrate to damaged tissue
Release chemicals at site of injury promoting inflammatory response
Release of chemical attracting more basophils and eosinophils
What is the function of monocytes?
Circulate for 24 hours in bloodstream after leaving bone marrow
Enters tissues where they become macrophages capable of aggressive phagocytosis
