Introduction to Hematology

Question 1

Define: Hematopoiesis

Answer 1

The differentiation along different lines of development to eventually produce all of the different types of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells.

Question 2

What does the Buffy coat consist of?

Answer 2

White blood cells and Platelets

Question 3

Define: Hemolysis

Answer 3

Premature breakdown and RBC destruction.

Question 4

Name some unique characteristics of erythrocytes

Answer 4

1. Lack of nucleus
2. Lack of mitochondria- anaerobic metabolism
3. Lack of organelles after it leaves the bone marrow

Question 5

What four chains make up Hemoglobin A1?

Answer 5

2 alpha-globin chains

2 beta-globin chains

Question 6

Define: Erythropoiesis

Answer 6

The differentiation and maturation of erythrocytes from a stem cell precursor

Question 7

Define: Hemostasis

Answer 7

The arrest of bleeding

Question 8

Define: Thrombosis

Answer 8

Local coagulation or clotting of blood

Question 9

What is the basic shape of a erythrocyte?

Answer 9

Biconcave

Question 10

Name two benefits of having a biconcave structure.

Answer 10

Higher surface to volume ratio which results in:

1. Increased gas exchange
2. Deformable

Question 11

List the five types of white blood cells in the blood

Answer 11

1. Lymphocytes
2. Neutrophils
3. Basophils
4. Monocytes
5. Eosinophils

Question 12

Name one difference between: Leukemia and Lymphoma

Answer 12

Leukemia- Malignant cells arising from the bone marrow and usually found in the blood stream

Lymphoma- considered extramedullary “outside of the bone marrow” collections of malignant lymphoid cells, usually involving lymph nodes or other lymph organs

Question 13

Compare and contrast:

Acute leukemia vs. Chronic Leukemia

Answer 13

Acute Leukemia- refers to the cells as immature in their degree of differentiation and that the clinical course is usually rapidly progressive without intervention

Chronic Leukemia- meaning that the cells are more mature in their differentiation and that the disease follows a more indolent clinical course.

Question 14

Compare and contrast:

Lymphoid Leukemia vs. Myeloid Leukemia

Answer 14

Lyphoid Leukemia- arising from lyphocytic lineage

Myeloid Leukemia- arising from one of the other cell types in the marrow

Question 15

What are platelets and what is their function?

Answer 15

Platelets are the cellular component of the blood responsible for hemostasis.

Question 16

What cells are platelets derived from?

Answer 16

Platelets are small cell fragments produced from large, polyploid cells in the bone marrow called Megakaryocytes