Structure and Function of Blood Flashcards
What are the 4 components that make up blood?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma
Describe the structure of haemoglobin
It is a protein tetramer made of 4 polypeptide chains
-2 alpha globin chains
-2 beta globin chain
Each globin chain carriers a haem group which carriers a ferrous iron atom.
Name the 5 types of white blood cells
Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
What are the two groups white blood cells can be classified as? Where does each of the 5 white blood cells fit in?
Granulocytes - prominent cytoplasmic granule
-neutrophils, eosinophils, basophil
Agranulocytes - lack visible cytoplasmic granules
-glymphocytes, monocytes
What is the most common type of white blood cell present in the blood?
Neutrophil
Important features of platelets
They are:
-membrane bound
-no nucleus
-cytoplasmic fragments
-contain granules
3 Important function of the blood
Transport -RBC
Defence: Immunity (WBC) and Haemostasis (Platelets)
Homeostasis
Importance of red blood cells in transport
They transport oxygen bound to Hb from lungs to the tissues
Help in the removal of CO2 from body tissues to lungs
Buffering action, help in maintaining the blood pH
Importance of pulse oximetry
It determines whether a patient is hypoxic and measures the colour of Hb
How do neutrophils help in defence - immunity?
Phagocytose and kill bacteria and fungi
(Main mediators of innate immunity)
How do lymphocytes help in defence - immunity?
Produce antibodies
Kill virus-infected cells
(main mediators of adaptive acquired immunity)
How do eosinophils help in defence - immunity?
Kill parasites
Involved in allergic response
How do basophils help in defence - immunity?
Kill parasites
Involved in allergic responses
Involved in inflammation
How do monocytes(macrophages) help in defence - immunity?
Phagocytosis of dead cells and pathogens
What role do platelets play in haemostasis?
They recognise damage in a blood vessel wall and form a platelet plug to prevent/ stop bleeding (temporary and insecure).
What does plasma consist of?
water
plasma proteins
electrolytes
Other components: gases, waste, amino acids, glucose, hormones
What is serum?
It is the fluid left after blood clotting
Function of the plasma
Transports nutrients like glucose, amino acids, lipids and vitamins absorbed from the digestive tract to different parts of the body
Transport respiratory gases - co2 from tissues to lungs for excretion
Removes nitrogenous waste products produced after cellular metabolism and transports them to the lungs and kidneys for excretion
immunoglobulins
Proteins present in the serum and cells in the immune system. they are made from b-lymphocytes and act as the body’s defence against bacteria, virus , fungi and parasites
What do complement proteins do?
They co operate with white blood cells and immunoglobulins to kill bacteria and other pathogens
Haemostasis
The body’s normal physiological response for prevention and stopping of bleeding/haemorrhage
Why is the analysis of the plasma essential in diagnosis and treatment
it can be used to test the functioning of the liver and the kidney (urea and electrolytes)
What is the equation for Haematocrit (packed cell volume)?
Let the blood settle it should seperate into the plasm abeing at the top and the blood cells at the bottom
Volume of cells/ Total volume
What things are tested in common blood tests?
Haemoglobin concentration
Mean red cell volume
Mean cell haemoglobin content
Haemotocrit
Total white blood cell count
