Lecture 1: Introduction to Hematology Flashcards
What are the 3 things involved in anemia?
Reduction in RBC count
Reduction in Hgb
Reduction in RBC mass
Define polycythemia.
Increase in the total number of RBCs.
Increase in amt of Hgb.
Increase in RBC mass.
Define anisocytosis.
Variable RBC size.
Measured by RDW (RBC Distribution Width)
Define Poikilocytosis.
Variable RBC shape.
Measured via peripheral blood smear?
Define polychromasia.
Increased reticulocyte count in peripheral blood smear.
Define hypochromia.
Central pallor that is greater than 1/3 of the RBC.
Define micro and macrocytosis.
RBC size.
How much of our body weight does whole blood make up?
7-8%
How much blood does the average male have? Female?
Male = 12 pints
Female = 9 pints
What are the 5 functions of blood?
O2 and nutrient transport
Clotting
Immune response
Waste transport
Temperature regulation
Why do males generally have more blood?
Combination of larger physical size + testosterone production induces minor RBC production in the bone marrow.
What 4 components make up whole blood?
Plasma (55%)
RBCs (45%)
WBCs & platelets (<1%)
What layer of whole blood are WBCs and platelets in?
Buffy coat, which is found in the middle of plasma and RBCs.
What is plasma derived from?
Water and salt from the large intestine.
Where are RBCs derived from?
Main site: Bone marrow
Secondary sites: liver & spleen
What is plasma mainly made of?
90% water.
10% proteins, hormones, insulin, electrolytes, and nutrients.
What are the primary functions of plasma?
Transporting RBCs, proteins, antibodies, etc.
Maintain BP
What is the primary function of an RBC?
Oxygenating tissue.
What are the two functions of Hgb?
Carrying O2 from lungs to tissues.
Carrying CO2 from tissues to lungs.