Introduction Flashcards
What are the cells of the blood, their main functions and how are they derived from stem cells?
Plasma contains: anticoagulants (to prevent blockages), albumin, clotting factors & antibodies = function to provide nutrients, get rid of waste and act as messengers
Platelets (work together with clotting factors) = prevent leaks
White blood cells = phagocytosis, antigen recognition and antibody formation
Red blood cells = transport O2 and CO2
Pluripotent haematopoeitic stem cells form either A) uncommitted stem cell or B) lymphocyte stem cell
A eventually form eyrthroblasts, reticulocytes, erythrocytes, neutrophils
B eventually forms lymphocytes, lymphoid cells
Which hormones control blood cell production and can be used therapeutically?
Erythropoietin is produced mainly in the kidney and stimulates the production (bone marrow) and maintenance of red blood cells.
Erythropoietin can be used therapeutically in anaemia related to kidney dysfunction.
What are the constituents of the full blood count?
Haemoglobin Red blood cells Platelets White blood cells Neutrophils Lymphocytes
What are the main functions of plasma?
Nutrient transport, waste transport, messenger transport, prevents leakages and blockages, protects against pathogens
What are the main haematological tests?
Full blood count (includes white cell count, red cell count, platelet count, haematoceit red blood cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, differential white cell count)
Platelet count
Prothrombin time
What is the function of the spleen and causes of splenomegaly?
Functions: filters the blood eg clearance of microorganism and antigens, removal of abnormal red blood cells, storage of white blood cells, synthesis of immunoglobulin
Splenomegaly: hereditary splenocytosis, G6PD deficiency, betathalassaemia, infections, liver disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, pressure on the veins in liver or spleen or a blood clot
