RBC - Function Flashcards

1
Q

Function of RBCs is to

A

transport gases in the circulation

Oxygen and Carbon dioxide

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2
Q

Transport of gases by RBCs is provided by the presence of

A

Haemoglobin (Hb) in RBCs

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3
Q

Each RBC contains how much Hb?

A

~280 x 10 o 6 molecules of Hb

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4
Q

Two main parts of Hb

A
Protein part (globin)
Pigment part (haem - contains iron)
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5
Q

What part of Hb carries oxygen and why?

A

Haem - contains iron

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6
Q

Components of HB molecule

A

4 polypeptide chains
4 Haem molecules - 1 associated with each chain
4 Iron molecule situated in each haem molecule

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7
Q

The concentration of Hb in blood

A

150g per litre

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8
Q

RBC doesn’t contain

A

mitochondria

nucleus

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9
Q

RBC lifespan

A

120 days

1% destroyed every day

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10
Q

RBC are destroyed in the? by?

A

Spleen
Liver
Bone Marrow

By phagocytic cells (macrophages)

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11
Q

The rate of RBC destruction must be balanced by

A

RBC synthesis

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12
Q

What is the process of RBC synthesis called?

A

Erythropoiesis

Occurs in red bone marrow

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13
Q

Erythropoiesis takes place in

A

Bones of the chest (ribs & sternum)
Cranium
Vertebrae and pelvis
Long bones of arms and legs

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14
Q

RBC develop from

A

pluripotent stem cells

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15
Q

From pluripotent stem cells, the RBC develop into

A

Reticulocyte where the nucleus is rejected

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16
Q

Reticulocyte cells develop into

A

erythrocytes (RBCs)

17
Q

What are the co-factors to normal erythropoiesis?

A

The presence of:

Iron
Vit B6 (folic acid)
Vit B12 (cobalamin)
18
Q

Erythropoiesis is under

A

hormonal control

19
Q

What is the hormone that controls erythropoiesis?

A

Erythropoietin

20
Q

Erythropoietin is synthesised in

A

Kidneys - 90%

Liver - 10%

21
Q

Kidney failure or damage can lead to

A

anaemia because EPO is not being produced

22
Q

Decreased oxygen in the blood stimulates?

A

the production of EPO, therefore, stimulating RBC production