Lab E: Hematology Flashcards
What elements constitute whole blood, and what are their typical proportions?
Whole blood =
Plasma (55%)
Formed elements (45%)
What is the the composition of plasma?
- ) 92% water
- ) Nutrients, gases, electrolytes: Na+, Ca++, Mg++, Cl-, HCO3-
- ) Proteins: Albumin, fibrinogen, globulins (antibodies)
What is the four functions of plasma?
- ) Transports nutrients, hormones to tissues
- ) Transport wastes away from tissues
- ) Clotting, immune defense, gas transport
- ) pH buffering, osmotic balance
Broader categories vs. means?
What is the formal name, life span, and typical count of RBCs, and what are its basic functions?
Erythrocytes
180 days
4.3 - 5.2 million / microL (higher in males)
Contains hemoglobin, which binds and transports oxygen.
What is the formal name, life span, and typical count of WBCs, and what are its basic functions?
Leukocytes
Can be over 20 years
4,800 - 10,800 / microL
Immune function
What is the formal name, life span, and typical count of platelets, and what are its basic functions?
Thrombocytes
9-12 days
130,000 - 330,000/microL
Not whole cells, but packets of cytoplasm that combine with fibrinogen during hemostasis.
List the 5 different types of leukocytes and their normal ranges, in order of their prevalence.
Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas
Neutrophils (60-70%) Lymphocytes (25-33%) Monocytes (3-8%) Eosinophils (2-4%) Basophils (<1%)
Whole blood
55% plasma + 45% formed elements
What does hematocrit measure?
Hct measures the % of whole blood occupied by formed elements, which are 99.9% erythrocytes, so aka vol of packed red cells.
What % of whole blood are formed elements, and what are they comprised of?
45% of whole blood.
Erythrocytes (RBCs), thrombocytes (platelets), and leukocytes (WBCs).
Agglutination
When each antibody binds to two or more antigen molecules and RBCs clump together. This prompts the immune system to destroy the cells (white blood cells and complement) and remove them from the system (liver and spleen).
What is the equation for hematocrit?
Hct = [formed element volume] / [total volume] x 100
What is the average hematocrit, in general?
For males and females?
Average Hct = 45
Females: 37-48
Males: 45-52
What is the sciencey name for “clotting?”
What components does it involve, and which is responsible for coagulation?
Hemostasis
Platelets & fibrinogen (plasma protein, coagulate)
What are the two classes of WBCs? List the types under each.
Granulocytes:
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
Agranulocytes:
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
How do leukocytes get out of the bloodstream?
Via margination, diapedesis, and chemotaxis.
Describe a neutrophil:
Multilobed nucleus: 3-5 lobes
Granulocyte: fine reddish to violet granules
How large is a neutrophil, in diameter? Relative to an RBC?
9-12 micrometers, about twice as large as an RBC
What do neutrophils do?
Phagocytize bacteria and release antimicrobial chemicals
What does an elevated neutrophil count indicate?
Bacterial infection
Describe a eosinophil:
Bilobed nucleus
Granulocyte: large, coarse, orange-pink granules
How large is a eosinophil, in diameter? Relative to an RBC?
10-14 micrometers, about 2-3x an RBC
What do eosinophils do?
Phagocytize antigen-antibody complexes, allergens, inflammatory chemicals, and release enzymes that weaken or destroy parasites.
What does an elevated eosinophil count indicate?
Increase indicates parasitic infections, allergens, and diseases of spleen and CNS.
Describe a basophil:
Granulocyte: Large coarse dark violet granules often obscure the large nucleus, blueish
How large is a basophil, in diameter? Relative to an RBC?
8-10 micrometers (about twice as large as an RBC)
What do basophils do?
Secretes histamine & heparin involved in inflammatory reaction
What does an elevated basophil count indicate?
Increases indicate chickenpox, sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, myxedema and polycythemia