T8 - L1 introduction to haematology Flashcards
what is Haemopoiesis?
physiological developmental process that gives rise to the cellular components of blood
what is the result of asymmetric self-renewal of a haemopoietic stem cell?
Maintain stem cell pool – generation of differentiated progeny
what is the result of symmetric self-renewal of a haemopoietic stem cell?
Increase stem cell pool – NO generation of differentiated progeny
what is the result of lack of self-renewal of a haemopoietic stem cell?
Deplete stem cell pool – generation of ONLY differentiated progeny or Maintain stem cell pool – NO differentiated progeny
what are features of a Haemopoietic Stem Cell?
- self-renewal - High proliferative potential - Differentiation potential for all lineages - Long term activity throughout the lifespan of the individual
what are the two Haemopoietic Lineages a Haemopoietic Stem Cell could take?
myeloid e.g. - granulocytes - erythrocytes - platelets lymphoid e.g. - B-lymphocytes - T-lymphocytes
what are the functions of blood cells?
- Oxygen transport - Coagulation (haemostasis) - Immune response to infection - Immune response to abnormal cells (senescent, malignant etc)
what are features of erythrocytes?
- Bi-concave discs, 7.5 µM diameter - Lifespan 120 days in blood - Contain Haemoglobin - 333,200 x 106 red cells
what condition arises as a result of reduced red cells?
anaemia
what condition arises as a result of raised red cells?
polycythaemia
what is Relative polycythaemia?
when plasma volume is reduced NOT an increase in RBC
what are features of leukocytes?
(WBC) function: immunity - granulocytes - monocytes - lymphocytes
what are features of neutrophils?
- Phagocytes - Most common white cell in adult blood - Live for only a few hours in blood
what condition arises as a result of raised neutrophils?
neutrophilia
what condition arises as a result of decreased neutrophils?
neutropenia
