Intro to blood structure and function Flashcards
Structure of erythrocytes [4 marks]
- Biconcave discs
- No nucleus
- No DNA/RNA
- No mitochondria
Types of granulocytes [3 marks]
- Polymorphonuclear
neutrophils (weakly staining granules) - Polymorphonuclear eosinophil (red staining of granules with eosin)
- Polymorphonuclear basophil (blue/purple staining with basic dyes)
Examples of mononuclear cells [2 marks]
- Monocytes/Macrophages
- Lymphocytes
Structure of thrombocytes/platelets [4 marks]
- Cytoplasmic fragments
- No nucleus
- Membrane bound
- Contain granules
What does plasma contain? [4 marks]
- Water
- Salts
- Proteins
- Organic molecules (e.g. metabolites, carbohydrates)
What is the most common cation in plasma? [1 mark]
Sodium ions
What is the most common cation in cells? [1 mark]
Potassium ions
What is the difference between plasma and serum? [2 marks]
- Plasma is the fluid of whole blood
- Serum is the fluid of clotted blood
What is an example of an anticoagulant used and how does it prevent clotting? [2 marks]
- EDTA
- It chelates calcium ions (a clotting factor)
What is ~90% of the protein aspect of plasma made out of? [1 mark]
Human serum albumin
What are the functions of blood? [3 marks]
- Transport
- Defence
- Homeostasis
How do erythrocytes carry carbon dioxide? [1 mark]
Via the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system
What is the average life span of erythrocytes? [1 mark]
120 days
What is the average diameter of erythrocytes? [1 mark]
8μm
What is the average thickness of erythrocytes? [1 marks]
2μm
What is the structure of haemoglobin? [4 marks]
- It is a tetramer
- Has 2 alpha globin chains and 2 beta globin chains
- Each globin chain carries a haem molecule (binds 1 O2 each)
- Haem holds ferrous iron (Fe2+)
What is pulse oximetry and what is it used for? [2 marks]
- Shining a light on a patient’s finger and measuring the light absorption of Hb
- Measures the oxygen saturation
What carries insoluble materials in the plasma? [1 mark]
Plasma proteins (e.g. albumin, transferrin)
What leukocyte is involved in innate immunity? [1 mark]
Neutrophils
What leukocyte is involved in adaptive immunity? [1 mark]
Lymphocytes
Which leukocytes are involved in allergic responses? [2 marks]
- Eosinophild
- Basophils
Which leukocytes phagocytose pathogens? [2 marks]
- Neutrophils
- Monocytes/macrophages
Where do immunoglobins (Ig) come from and what is their function? [2 marks]
- Made by B-lymphocytes
- Act as antibodies
What do complement proteins do for immunity? [3 marks]
- Kill pathogens
- Binds to bacterial cell membrane and bore holes
- Cooperate with Ig and WBCs
What is haemostasis? [1 mark]
Stopping of a flow of blood
How is clotting done? [2 marks]
- Platelet plug forms
- Fibrin clot reinforces platelet plug
What does testing the levels of urea and electrolytes do? [1 mark]
Determines whether the kidney is functioning properly or not
What is the average total blood volume in a 70kg male? [1 mark]
5 litre
What is the average plasma volume in a 70kg male? [1 mark]
2.5 to 3 litres
What is the haemocrit/packed cell volume? [1 mark]
Proportion of cells in blood
What is the normal range for haemocrit? [1 mark]
0.4 to 0.5
