IMM- intro to the structure and function of blood Flashcards
outline the major components of blood and their main functions
plasma and cells (red, white and platelets)
what is the function of RBC
transport oxygen around the body
what is unique about RBC
they have no nucleus or DNA, biconcave shape
what is the role of WBC
act as the bodies defence mechanism
what is the role of platelets
clotting cascade
what is the role of plasma
transport nutrients, hormones and proteins to the body parts that need them
what is plasma
a fluid containing water, salts, proteins and organic molecules such as metabolites and lipids
what is the most common plasma protein
albumin
what are the roles of plasma proteins in immunity
immunoglobulins - act as antibodies against pathogens
complement proteins kill bacteria and other pathogens and cooperate with immunoglobulins and white blood cells
what are the roles of plasma proteins in haemostasis
fibrinogen is converted to fibrin which forms a blood clot with clotting factors controlling this process
fibrin clot reinforces the primary platelet plug
albumin helps maintain blood volume by preventing fluid leaking into cells which do not need it
what are the two most common types of white blood cells
neutrophils and lymphocytes
how are neutrophils classified morphologically and what are their function
polymorphonuclear (irregular, multilobed nucleus)
granulocyte (permanent cytoplasmic granules)
phagocytose and kill bacteria and fungi
main mediators of innate immunity
how are eosinophils classified morphologically and what are their function
granulocyte (granules stain red with eosin)
kill parasites and are involved in allergic responses
how are basophils classified morphologically and what are their function
granulocyte (granules stained blue or purple with basic dyes)
kill parasites
involved in allergic response and inflammation
how are monocytes classified morphologically and what are their function
lack granules
have large regular nuclei (mononuclear)
macrophages = involved in phagocytosis of dead cells and pathogens
how are lymphocytes classified morphologically and what are their function
lack granules have large irregular nuclei (mononuclear) produce antibodies kill virus infected cells are main mediators of adaptive immunity
outline the structure of haemoglobin and its role in oxygen transport
haemoglobin is a protein tetramer made up of four polypeptide chains - 2A and 2b chains
each globin chain carries a haem molecule
haem holds a ferrous atom which oxygen binds to reversibly by a coordination bond
scribe the origin and role of platelets
platelets (thrombocytes) are cytoplasmic fragments with no nucleus which are membrane bound and contain granules
major role = primary haemostasis :
recognise blood vessel damage
form a platelet plug
prevent / stop bleeding
describe the difference between plasma and serum
plasma = fluid component of blood serum = fluid left after blood clotting
state where blood cells origniate
mature blood cells are produced from stem cells in the bone marrow so the bone marrow contains lots of immature blood cells
state the normal values for blood volume
approx 5 litres for 70 kg male
70 ml per kg
state the normal values for plasma
2.5 - 3 litres
what is haematocrit and what is not normal value
packed cell volume
04.-0.5
what is the life span of a red cell
120 days
in a full blood count what is haemoglobin concentration
overall concentration of haemoglobin in the blood
used to diagnose anaemia
in a full blood count what is haematocrit used to diagnose
types of anaemia
in a full blood count what is total white blood cell count used for
neutrophil and lymphocyte count - helps to diagnose infection
what is a liver function test and what is it used for
looks al albumin concentration, liver enzymes - clotting factors
used to diagnose liver damage
what is U and E used for
test kidney function and metabolic abnormalities
what is a blood glucose test used for
diagnosing diabetes
what is a lipid profile used for
looks at triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and HDL - calculated the risk of cardiovascular disease
