Introduction to Haematology

Question 1

If you centrifuge blood, it splits into 3 distinct layers. What are the components of each layer?

Answer 1

Plasma - (top layer bc least dense):

• clotting/coagulation factors
• albumin & other proteins
• antibodies
• salts (Na+ etc etc)

Buffy coat:

• Platelets
• WBCs (leucocytes)

Red blood cells

Question 2

What are the general functions of blood?

Answer 2

Transport

Maintenance of vascular integrity

Protection from pathogens

Question 3

What substances are transported in blood?

In which component of blood are each of these found?

Answer 3

Gasses

• Oxygen & CO2 - carried by RBCs

Nutrients - plasma

Waste products - plasma

Messages - plasma

Question 4

How does blood act to maintain our vascular integrity?

What components of blood are invloved in each?

Answer 4

Prevention of leakages

• by platelets & clotting factors

Prevention of blockages

• by anticoagulants & fibrinolytics

Question 5

One of the key functions of blood is its role in our immune response blah blah

What immune response processes take place in the blood?

Answer 5

Phagocytosis & killing

Antigen recognition & antibody production