Week 4 - The Cardiovascular System: Blood Flashcards
Name the functions of blood
Functions as a dynamic tissue: Transport, Immunity, Haemostasis, Homeostasis
Total blood volume
4-6L depending on body size
Components of blood and its percentages
Plasma ~55%, Thrombocytes (Platelets) (1%), Leukocytes (WBCs) 1%, Erythrocytes (RBCs) ~44%
What is Plasma composed of
Water with some dissolved solutes including proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, mineral hormones, wastes, gases and electrolytes
What are the 3 main proteins in plasma
Albumins (58%), Globulins (38%), Fibrinogen (4%)
What is the function of thrombocytes (platelets)
Assist in blood clotting (haemostasis)
What is the function of Leukocytes (WBCs)
Primary defence against infection
Ratio of WBC:RBC = 1:700
What is the function of Erythrocytes (RBCs)
Transport of O2 and CO2
What protein substance does Haemoglobin contain and how many (2 types)
4 x Globins
4 x Heme groups
How much O2 can 1 Haemoglobin carry
Four
What gives the red blood cell its red colour?
Oxyhemoglobin (when it is carrying oxygen)
What % of CO2 is transported through Haemoglobin
23%
Where is the other % of CO2 transported?
7% in plasma and 70% in the form of bicarb ions
How many RBC’s in the circulation?
25 trillion
What is the lifespan of a RBC
120 days
Production of new RBCs
Erythopoiesis
Explain the process of Erythroproiesis
When the blood oxygen level decreases, the kidney secretes erythropoietin (EPO), this then communicates to red bone marrow to produce more RBCs and therefore increases the blood oxygen level
