Overview of blood/arteries Flashcards
What is plasma and what does it contain?
Liquid component of blood
91% water
7% protein (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen)
2% other solutes (O2, Co2, Glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, waste..)
Blood is a specialized body fluid with 4 main components
Plasma
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
Most abundant cell in blood
red blood cell
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Shape of RBC
Biconcave disk, flat.
What is the advantage of the red blood cell not having a nucleus?
Allows them to easily change shape, helping them fit through the blood vessels in the body. It also limits the life span of the cell to 120 days
Which cell contains hemoglobin
RBC
Role of hemoglobin
Carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Returns carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs so it can be exhaled. Gives RBC it’s red color
Hematocrit
Percentage of blood volume that is made up of RBC’s. This is a common measure of RBC.
Why would an optometrist want to measure hematocrit levels?
If the pt has recurrent hemorrhages.
Characteristics of platelets
Not actually cells, but instead small fragments of cells.
Role of platelets
Help the blood clotting process (coagulation)
Gather at the site of an injury and sticks to the lining of the injured blood vessel
This covers the wound and prevents blood from leaking out
Forms the scaffolding upon which new tissue forms
Functions of the blood
Transport nutrients and oxygen to cells
Remove waste products from the cells and deliver it to the kidneys and liver, which filter and clean the blood
Transport hormones
Protect the body from infection and foreign bodies
Form blood clots and initiate wound healing
Regulate body temp and pH levels
Path of blood
Heart- arteries- arterioles- capillaries- venuoles- veins- heart
Capillaries are the site of
Location for exchange of gasses, fluids, and nutrients between blood and tissues. Cells receive oxygen, fluid, and nutrients from the blood in the capillaries and then cells deposit waste and carbon dioxide to the blood in the capillaries.
