Unit 1 Flashcards
What is the composition of blood?
Blood consists of plasma and formed elements.
What is hemostasis?
Hemostasis is the prevention and stopping of blood loss.
What is the primary function of erythrocytes?
Delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues.
List the major types of plasma proteins.
- Albumin
- Fibrinogen
- Globulins
What is the role of prothrombin in blood coagulation?
Prothrombin is an inactive form of thrombin that catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.
What are the two main categories of leukocytes?
- Granulocytes
- Agranulocytes
Identify the five types of leukocytes in order of relative prevalence.
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
What is the average lifespan of erythrocytes?
120 days.
What is the hematocrit?
The percentage of erythrocytes in whole blood.
True or False: Platelets are complete cells.
False.
What is the function of platelets?
To play a role in blood clotting.
What is the primary function of leukocytes?
To protect the body from infections.
What distinguishes granulocytes from agranulocytes?
Granulocytes have visibly stained granules, agranulocytes do not.
Fill in the blank: The three types of granulocytes are ______, ______, and ______.
[neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils]
What type of leukocyte is known for performing phagocytosis?
Monocytes.
What is the role of antibodies in the immune response?
To identify and neutralize non-self molecules.
What blood type is considered the universal donor?
Type O.
What blood type is considered the universal recipient?
Type AB.
Describe the process of coagulation.
A complex cascade of chemical reactions culminating in the formation of a fibrin mesh.
How does the body respond to blood loss of 15-30%?
The body starts to feel weak and appear pale.
What happens when blood loss exceeds 30%?
The body may go into shock, which can result in death if untreated.
List the components of plasma.
- Water
- Proteins
- Nutrients
- Ions
- Dissolved gases
- Waste products
What are the roles of thrombin and fibrinogen in coagulation?
Thrombin catalyzes fibrinogen to fibrin, which forms a blood clot.
What is the significance of Rh factor in blood typing?
The presence or absence of Rh antigen classifies blood as positive or negative.
True or False: Blood typing is a simple process.
False.
What is the mnemonic to remember the relative abundance of leukocyte types?
Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas.
What is the function of albumin in plasma?
It dictates how fluids move between the blood and the body’s tissues.
What are the characteristics of lymphocytes?
Smallest leukocytes with a large nucleus, responsible for adaptive immune response.
How are antibodies developed in relation to blood type?
They are developed early in life as the immune system encounters similar molecules in food.
What is the role of fibrin in hemostasis?
Fibrin creates a mesh that reinforces the platelet plug.
What antibodies does type A blood develop?
Anti-B antibodies
Type A blood recognizes A antigens as self and develops antibodies against B antigens
What antibodies does type B blood have?
Anti-A antibodies
Type B blood recognizes B antigens as self and develops antibodies against A antigens
What antibodies does type AB blood have?
No antibodies
Type AB blood has both A and B antigens and does not develop antibodies against them
What antibodies does type O blood have?
Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies
Type O blood has no A or B antigens and develops antibodies against both
What causes complications during wrong blood transfusions?
Antibodies attacking non-self antigens
For example, anti-B antibodies in type A blood attack B antigens in type B blood
What is the Rh factor?
An antigen found on the surface of red blood cells
Rh factor was first discovered in rhesus monkeys
What does it mean to be Rh-positive?
Having the Rh factor antigen on red blood cells
Rh-negative individuals lack this antigen
What happens when Rh-negative individuals are exposed to Rh-positive blood?
They develop antibodies against Rh factor antigens
This can cause a transfusion reaction in future transfusions
What is a universal donor blood type?
Type O-negative
Type O-negative has no A, B, or Rh antigens
What is a universal recipient blood type?
Type AB-positive
Type AB-positive has no antibodies against A, B, or Rh antigens
What condition can occur if Rh factor antibodies cross the placenta?
Erythroblastosis fetalis
Also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn
What is the treatment for erythroblastosis fetalis?
RhoGam
RhoGam contains premade antibodies against Rh factor antigen
What is a differential leukocyte count?
A test to determine the relative abundance of leukocyte types
It helps clinicians diagnose illness or disease
What is the purpose of blood typing?
To determine an individual’s blood type and compatibility
It involves testing reactions between blood samples and antibodies
What is hematocrit?
The percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells
Normal values typically range from 38% to 52% in adults
What factors can cause abnormal hematocrit levels?
Dehydration, anemia, or polycythemia
Each condition affects the volume of red blood cells in the blood
What do the terms ‘homozygous’ and ‘heterozygous’ mean?
‘Homozygous’ means having two identical alleles for a gene, while ‘heterozygous’ means having two different alleles
This affects the expression of traits in offspring
What is a Punnett square used for?
To predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from parental genotypes
It visually represents genetic crosses
