flashcards for ex29 and 35

Blood Composition

Plasma (55%) and formed elements (45%).

What are the main components of blood plasma?

Primarily water (90%), salts (electrolytes), and proteins.

Plasma proteins

Include albumin, fibrinogen, and globulins.

Erythrocytes

Main function is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes

Main function is immune defense.

Leukocyte subtypes

Include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.

Platelets

Main function is blood clotting.

Functions of Blood

Transport, regulation, and protection; delivers oxygen and nutrients, removes wastes, maintains body temperature and pH, and provides immune defense and clotting.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Measures red and white blood cell counts, important for diagnosing anemia and other conditions.

Differential White Blood Cell Count

Identifies the proportions of specific types of white blood cells, aiding in diagnosis of infections and disorders.

Hematocrit Test

Measures the proportion of blood volume made up of red blood cells.

Blood Typing

Based on the presence of antigens on red blood cell membranes; includes types A, B, AB, and O.

Rh factor

Determines 'positive' or 'negative' blood types.

Main components of the lymphatic system

Lymphatic vessels, lymphoid tissue, lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus gland, and spleen.

Lymphatic Vessels flow

One-way flow, more permeable to proteins.

Functions of the Lymphatic System

Removal of excess interstitial fluid, filtering blood and lymph for microorganisms, absorption and transportation of fats, and immune response.

Role of the thoracic duct

Main vessel for lymph drainage into blood; drains left side and lower body.

Role of the right lymphatic duct

Drains the right upper body into the bloodstream.

Main function of lymph nodes

Act as biological filters, containing afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels.

Main components of lymph nodes

Cortex, medulla, capsule, and trabeculae.

Location of immune cells in lymph nodes

B cells in germinal centers of the cortex, T cells spread throughout the cortex, macrophages in subcapsular sinuses.

Innate Immunity

Nonspecific defenses like skin, mucous membranes, phagocytes, inflammation, and fever.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific defenses acquired through exposure to antigens; key cells include T and B lymphocytes.

Characteristics of adaptive immunity

Memory, specificity, and self-tolerance.

T cells development and role

Develop in bone marrow, mature in thymus, reside in lymph nodes; involved in cell-mediated immunity.

Types of T cells

Include cytotoxic, helper, and suppressor T cells.

Function of B cells

Effector B cells become plasma cells and secrete antibodies to target free antigens.

Components of an antibody

Antigen-binding site, variable and constant regions on heavy and light chains, and disulfide bonds.

Different classes of immunoglobulins

IgM (first secreted in primary response), IgA (in body secretions), IgD (on B cell surfaces), IgG (most abundant), and IgE (allergic reactions).

Main components of the spleen

Capsule, trabeculae, splenic cords, sinusoids, arterioles, and capillaries.

Main functions of the spleen

Filters blood, tissue repair, hematopoiesis, destroys old RBCs and platelets, serves as a blood reservoir.

Function of tonsils

Masses of lymphoid tissue that act as the first line of defense against bacteria.

Role of the thymus gland

Final site of prenatal lymphocyte development and hormone production for T lymphocyte maturation after birth.