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Medicine Year 1 Semester 1 > Red Blood Cells > Flashcards

Red Blood Cells Flashcards

1
Q

Erythrocytes

A

Red Blood cells

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2
Q

Function of erythrocytes

A

Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the cells.
Maintains acid/base balance in blood.

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3
Q

Structure of erythrocytes

A

They have no nucleus and are biconcave shaped.
They have a lifespan of 120 days, before being phagocytoses by macrophages.

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4
Q

Advantage of flexible shape of erythrocytes

A

Allows migration through capillaries

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5
Q

Advantage of biconcave disc shape

A

High surface area

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6
Q

What is the process by which erythrocytes are produced called ?

A

Erythropoiesis

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7
Q

How are erythrocytes produced ?

A

Haematopoietic stem cells differentiate into myeloid stem cells.

The myeloid stem cells differentiate into pro erythroblasts which become reticulocytes then erythrocytes.

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8
Q

What does bone marrow stroma contain ?

A

Fibroblasts
Macrophages
Endothelium
Fat Cells

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9
Q

What is the function of erythropoietin ?

A

It is the most important driver of red blood cell production.

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10
Q

Role of erythropoietin

A

ACTS AS BOTH a peptide hormone (PH) and hematopoietic growth factor (HGF), stimulating bone marrow erythropoiesis.

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11
Q

What 2 things are required in RBC formation ?

A

B12 and folic acid (folate)

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12
Q

At low oxygen levels, what happens to regulate RBC formation ?

A

The mRNA for erythropoietin in increased and erythropoietin is produced.

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13
Q

What is erythropoietin ?

A

A hormone that your kidneys naturally make to stimulate the production of red blood cells

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14
Q

Content of Erythrocytes

A
  • Membrane
  • Haemoglobin
  • Enzymes
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15
Q

What is the structure of the RBC membrane ?

A

Lipid bilayer with a protein skeleton bound into it.

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16
Q

What is the function of the peripheral membrane proteins in RBC’s ?

A

This network imparts ELASTICITY and STRENGTH to erythrocytes, allowing them to pass through even the smallest capillaries in our body without breaking.

17
Q

What is the function of integral membrane proteins in RBC’s ?

A

Integral membrane proteins are more numerous, stretching through the entire thickness of the cell membrane.

They BIND HAEMOGLOBIN and serve as anchor points for the cytoskeletal network of RBCs.

18
Q

Structure of Haemoglobin

A

Hemoglobin is a tetramer that comprises four polypeptide subunits called globin chains.

Each globin subunit contains an iron atom bound to a molecule called heme.

The iron plays the main role in binding gasses, therefore each hemoglobin can transport up to four molecules of oxygen or carbon dioxide.

19
Q

Thalassaemia

A

An inherited defect in globin chain production.

20
Q

Sickle cell disease

A

One amino acid change in the beta chain.

21
Q

What is the function of the RBC enzymes ?

A

They maintain membrane integrity.
Prevent oxidation of enzymes and Fe++
Maintain gradients of K+ and Ca++

22
Q

What is the function of myoglobin ?

A

Found in skeletal muscle.
Stores O2 for immediate use.
Acts as a last ditch oxygen reserve.

23
Q

What is the importance of reticulocyte count ?

A

A reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your bone marrow.

Healthcare providers measure reticulocytes to find out if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy red blood cells.

24
Q

Where is the primary site of erythrocyte clearance ?

A

Eryptosis, is the spleen

25
Q

What are the 2 most important components within an erythrocyte ?

A

The globin chains and iron containing heme groups.

26
Q

What happens in erythrocyte destruction ?

A

Once phagocytosed by macrophages, the globin chains and heme group components are separated.

The polypeptide globin chains are degraded into amino acids, while the iron is extracted from heme.

The iron molecule is subsequently transferred to the bone marrow to be reused in new cycles of erythropoiesis, while heme is metabolized into bilirubin.

27
Q

Hemolytic anemia

A

Caused by increased degradation or destruction of erythrocytes.

28
Q

Sideropenic anemia

A

Iron deficiency anemia

29
Q

Megaloblastic anemia

A

Deficiency of folate and/or vitamin B12. They are necessary for differentiation of erythrocyte precursors.

30
Q

Aplastic anemia

A

Due to aplasia (destruction) of the red bone marrow. It can happen during chemotherapy.

31
Q

Causes of chronic kidney disease and renal failure

A

PRODUCE insufficient amounts of renal erythropoietin to maintain normal haemoglobin levels.

32
Q

What happens to erythropoiesis at high altitudes ?

A

Induces the expression of the glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (Epo), which mediates the increase in red blood cell (RBC) production.

33
Q

Where is B12 absorbed ?

A

The terminal ileum

34
Q

What happens in acidosis ?

A

Cell membranes become leaky

35
Q

What happens in alkalosis ?

A

Neurons become hyperactive in alkalosis.

Medicine Year 1 Semester 1 (37 decks)

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