transport in humans Flashcards
memorise key components for o'sss
what does blood consist of?
55% plasma
45% blood cells and platelets
- RBC
- WBC
what are the components in plasma?
- soluble proteins; fibrinogen, prothrombin (blood clotting) and antibodies (fight diseases)
- dissolved minerals; hydrogencarbonate, sulfate and phosphate of calcium, sodium and potassium. (blood clotting)
- food substances; glucose, amino acids, fats and vitamins
- excretory products; urea, uric acid and creatinine
- hormones; insulin
what are the features of the red blood cells
- it contains a red pigment called haemoglobin which combines reversibly with oxygen. this enables the RBC to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body
- it has a circular biconcave shape. this is for an inc in surface area to volume ratio for more effective absorption and release of blood.
- it does not have a nucleus; this is for more storage of haemoglobin and thus more oxygen
- its elastic and can squeeze through blood vessels smaller than the cell
what are the features of white blood cells?
- there is significantly less WBC to RBC with a ratio of 1:700.
- it is colourless due the lack of presence of haemoglobin
- it contains a nucleus and have an irregular shape
- it can move nd change it’s shape, squeeze through smallest blood vessels
what are the 2 types of WBC
lymphocytes and phagocytes
(helps fight diseases, and have a life span of a few days even tho there’s a nucleus present)
what are the functions of blood
- it’s a transport medium for substances
- it protects the body against diseases
- blood clotting prevents excessive loss of blood and bacteria entering the bloodstream
how does blood transportation work?
- blood passes through the lungs and oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood
- haemoglobin combined with oxygen and become oxyhaemoglobin
- oxyhemoglobin release oxygen into tissues containing low oxygen.
process of clotting?
- releases an enzyme known as thrombokinase
- this enzyme will then covert prothrombin into thrombin. (calcium ion MUST be present b4 this can happen)
- thrombin catalyst the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin.
- fibrin enrages blood cells and forms a clot or scab
define phagocytosis
it’s the process of engulfing or ingesting foreign particles, such as bacteria, by the WBC
how does antibodies work?
- they destroy the bacteria by attaching themselves and causing the bacterial surface membrane to rupture
- agglutinate bacteria so it can be easily ingested by phagocytes
- neutralise the harmful substances
how to prevent tissue rejection?
- a tissue match is necessary (as close as possible)
- immunosuppressive drugs
problems of point #2:
- lower resistance to infections
- must continue taking the drugs for the rest of their lives
what is the function of the heart?
it keeps the blood circulating throughout the body. when it relaxes, it is filled with blood whilst when it contracts, blood is squeezed out w/ great force
what is the function of arterioles?
- arteries form arterioles which divide and become capillaries
blood capillaries
- they have walls made up of endothelium which is partially permeable
- the numerous of branches inc SA for the exchange of substance between blood and tissue
- when arterioles branches into capillaries, the total cross-sectional area Inc. this lowers the BP in the capillaries. the blood is then slowed down which gives it time for the exchange of substance
what are venules:
before capillaries leave an organ/tissue, they unite and become venules