Introduction to Hematology Flashcards
What is anemia?
The reduction in total number of RBCs or amount of Hb or RBC mass in circulation
What is polycythemia?
An increase in total number of RBC, amount of Hb, and RBC mass in circulation
What is anisocytosis?
Variation in size, RDW >14.5%
What is poikilocytosis?
Variation in shape
What is polychromasia?
Increase in reticulocytes in the peripheral blood stream due to being released prematurely
What is hypochromia?
Central pallor > 1/3 the size of RBC
What is microcytosis?
Abnormally small RBCs
What is macrocytosis?
Abnormally large RBCs
What is an acanthocyte?
Irregularly spiculated RBC. IE abetalipoproteinemia
(Thorns/spurs on RBC membrane)
What is an echinocyte?
RBCs with short, regular spicules. IE uremia
What is a spherocyte?
RBC without central pallor. IE hereditary spherocytosis
What is an ovalocyte?
Elliptical RBC. IE hereditary elliptocytosis
What is a schistocyte?
Fragmented, bi- or tripolar spiculated RBC. IE DIC
What is a sickle cell?
A bipolar spiculated RBC. IE sickle cell disease
What is a stomatocyte?
Mouth-like deformity. IE hereditary stomatocytosis
What is a target cell?
RBC with concentric circles. IE thalassemias
What is a tear drop?
Unipolar spiculated RBC. IE myelofibrosis.
How much blood is in the adult human? Pints and percent body weight
Females: 9 pints
Males: 12 pints
Which is 7-8% of total body weight
What are the functions of blood (5)?
- transportation of 02/nutrients
- Blood loss prevention via clotting
- fight infection via WBC
- carry waste to kidney and liver
- regulate temperature of body
What are the components of whole blood from most to least abundant?
- plasma 55%
- RBC 45%
- WBC <1%
- Platelets <1%
Where does plasma come from?
Water and salt absorbed from the large intestine
Where do blood cells come from?
Bone marrow primarily but also extramedullary sites of liver and spleen
What is plasma made of?
Water 90%
Proteins
Hormones
Insulin
Electrolytes
Nutrients
What is the purpose of plasma (2)?
- transport blood cells, proteins, antibodies
- maintain blood pressure