Other Formed Elements & Blood-Related Diseases

Question 1

What system are white blood cells involved in?

Answer 1

The immune system

Question 2

List the 5 types of leukocytes and briefly describe the main function of each. (5)

Answer 2

1. Neutrophils → phagocytosis of BACTERIA
2. Lymphocytes → identifies and fights foreign substances by producing antibodies (immunity)
3. Monocytes → cleans up debris and phagocytosis of tissues
4. Eosinophils → destroys PARASITES and plays a major role in allergic reactions
5. Basophils → responsible for allergy symptoms (releases histamine and heparin)

Question 3

What types of leukocytes make up 90% of all leukocytes normally present in the human body? (2)

Answer 3

1. Neutrophils
2. Lymphocytes
   (no particular order)

Question 4

Give the common name for “thrombocytes” and briefly describe their main role. (2)

Answer 4

1. Thrombocytes = platelets

2. Blood clotting

Question 5

Where are blood gases dissolved in the blood?

Answer 5

The liquid portion (plasma)

Question 6

List the 2 types of blood gases and the professionals who take samples of them. (2)

Answer 6

1. Venous blood gases (VBG) → taken by a phlebotomist

2. Arterial blood gases (ABG) → taken by a respiratory therapist

Question 7

What is hemostasis?

Answer 7

The process in which the body stops blood from bleeding out → formation of blood clot to prevent excessive blood loss

Question 8

Name the 3 main phases of hemostasis and briefly describe each. (3)

Answer 8

1. Vascular spasms occur → vasoconstriction
2. Platelet plug forms → platelets become sticky and cling to damaged site when underlying collagen fibers of the blood vessels are exposed → platelets release chemicals to enhance spasms and attract more platelets
3. Coagulation events → tissue factor + platelet factor 3 + clotting factors and calcium = thrombin → thrombin + fibrinogen = fibrin forms a meshwork which traps RBCs and forms the basis of the clot

Question 9

Define: anemia

Answer 9

Conditions resulting from a decreased number of blood cells in a healthy state

Question 10

Define: sickle cell anemia

Answer 10

Disease in which hemoglobin is sickle-shaped and sticky, rather than bioconcave disc shaped like healthy erythrocytes

Question 11

What are 3 consequences of sickle cells? (3)

Answer 11

1. RBCs easily rupture and dam up small blood vessels
2. Interfere with oxygen delivery
3. Increases the risk of strokes due to clots

Question 12

What is it called when a person carries but does not exhibit sickle cell anemia?

Answer 12

Sickle cell trait

Question 13

Define: polycythemia

Answer 13

Excessive or abnormal increase in the number of erythrocytes

Question 14

What would make polycythemia “normal” in humans?

Answer 14

If it is a homeostatic response for those living at high altitudes where the air is thinner and less oxygen is available

Question 15

What are two risks of polycythemia? (2)

Answer 15

1. Increased risk of the formation of bone marrow cancer

2. Increased blood viscocity → sluggish blood flow and circulation

Question 16

Define: hemophilia

Answer 16

Hereditary bleeding disorders that result from a lack of any of the factors needed for clotting

Question 17

How does hemophilia affect tissue trauma?

Answer 17

Even minor tissue trauma results in prolonged bleeding, which may be life-threatening

Question 18

What are hemophiliacs lacking clotting factors given to prevent and replenish after bleeding episodes?

Answer 18

Transfusion of fresh plasma or injections of the purified clotting factor they lack

Question 19

Why are clotting factors decreased when the liver is unhealthy?

Answer 19

The liver is unable to synthesize its usual supply of clotting factors without proper health and maintenance

Question 20

Define: thrombocytopenia

Answer 20

Disease in which the person has an insufficient number of platelets circulating in the blood

Question 21

List 3 potential causes of thrombocytopenia. (3)

Answer 21

1. Bone marrow cancer
2. Radiation
3. Certain drugs

Question 22

What are the visible results of thrombocytopenia? (2)

Answer 22

1. Normal movements may cause spontaneous bleeding from small blood vessels
2. Petechiae → small, purplish blotches resembling rashes in the skin