RBC

Question 1

Describe the structure of a red blood cell (erythrocyte).

Answer 1

Biconcave disc
- Increases surface area for rapid entry and exit of O2 by diffusion
- Flexible structure to move through narrow capillaries
-No nucleus or organelles (no cell division)

All blood cells and platelets are produced from stem cells in red bone marrow

Question 2

Discuss the homeostatic mechanism for regulating red blood cell production.

Answer 2

Kidney cells detect low levels of oxygen in blood flowing through them and produce an increased amount of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), They release EPO into the blood which carries it to red bone marrow, (EPO) stimulates the rate of RBC production

Question 3

State the average blood volume for an adult male and female.

Answer 3

Adult females - 4-5L
Adult males - 5-6L

Question 4

State the haematological test used to measure the blood components of a blood sample.

Answer 4

Haematocrit is the percentage of whole blood that is made up by RBC’s, HCT or PCV can be measured on the complete blood count test.

Question 5

Identify 3 situations RBC production would increase

Answer 5

1. excessive blood loss
   2.inadequate RBC production or HB deficiency
2. hypoxaemia (caused by infection, respiratory conditions, low altitude)