Introduction to the structure and function of blood Flashcards
What is the structure of the blood?
Plasma fluid RBC WBC Platelets Water Amino Acids Carbohydrates
What is another name for RBC?
Erthrocytes
What are some key features of RBC?
Biconcave discs
No nucleus
Does NOT contain DNA // RNA // Mitochondria
What is another name for WBC?
Leukocytes
What are the 3 types of WBC?
Neutrophils
Eosinophils
Basohphils
What are the 2 categories for neutrophils?
Polymorphonuclear
Granulocyte
What is a polymorphonuclear neutrophil?
Irregular // multi - lobed nucleus
Cytoplasm contains granules
What is a granulocyte neutrophil?
Prominent cytoplasmic granules
Why is the granulocyte and polymorphonuclear neutrophils so important?
They are essential for the INNATE immune system.
What is the purpose of neutrophils?
Heals damaged tissues = levels INCREASE in response to infections / injuries / stress
What is the purpose of eosinophils?
High levels indicate a PARASITIC infection // allergic reactions / cancer
What is the purpose of basophils?
Prevents blood from CLOTTING too quickly.
Thus, promotes blood flow to the tissues.
What are mononuclear cells?
These are blood cells with a SINGLE nucleus but LACKS granules.
What are the 2 types of mononuclear cells?
Monocytes
Lymphocytes
What are platelets?
These are cytoplasmic fragments and have NO nucleus.
Where are the platelets derived from?
These are derived from the bone marrow.
What is the purpose of platelets?
The main function is HEMOSTASIS : which is to PREVENT and STOP bleeding.
Why does the bone marrow contain IMMATURE cells?
This occurs when the bone marrow DOES NOT mature and thus does not become healthy blood cells.
Which blood diseases can be treated by bone marrow transplantation?
Leukemia
Multiple myeloma
Immune deficiency disorder
What does the plasma contain?
Water Salts Proteins = Albumin and Globulin Lipids Carbohydrates Lipids
Where is Albumin made and what is the purpose of it?
It’s made in the liver.
PREVENTS the blood from leaking out of the blood vessels.
What is Globulin made of and where is it made?
Mixture of alpha / beta / gamma types.
Made by the liver and the immune system.
What is the positive ions constituents of the plasma?
Sodium // Potassium // Magnesium // Calcium
What is the negative ions constituents of the plasma?
Chloride // Bicarbonate // Phosphate // Sulphate
What is plasma?
This is the fluid component of the WHOLE blood.
What is serum?
This is the fluid left after blood clotting.
What is the difference between plasma and serum?
Plasma contains clotting factors and also, proteins whereas serum DOES NOT contain clotting factors.
What are the 2 main proteins contained in the plasma?
Fibrinogen and Prothrombin
These two contain proteins // fats // salt
What is the purpose of clotting factors?
Allows clotting to occur.
What are the 3 main types of proteins?
Albumin
Globulin
Fibrinogen
Explain more about Albumin?
This is a protein made. by the liver.
This keeps the fluid in the bloodstream and carries VARIOUS substance through the body.
What is haematopoiesis?
This is the formation of blood cells via the process of differentiation.
What is the origin of ALL blood cells?
Stem cells.
What are the two pathways which are present in the haematopoiesis?
Lymphocyte
Myeloid
What are the different stages of haematopoiesis?
Stem Cells
Porgenitors
Precursors
Mature blood cells
Where can haematopoiesis occur?
This can occur in the adult bone marrow and the liver // thymus alongside the spleen.
Where are the sites of haematopoiesis in infants?
Bone Marrow
Kidney
Spleen
Liver
Where are the site of haematopoiesis in adults?
Central skeleton
- Vertebrae
- Ribs // Sternum
- Skull
- Sacrum
- Pelvis
- Femur // Humerus
Where is haematopoiesis limited to as you age?
Ribs // Sternum
Skull
Sacrum
Pelvis
Explain the purpose of bone marrow.
It is the PRIMARY site of haemotopoiesis.
It is has many blood vessels which can bring nutrients but can also take it away too.