Blood Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering the characteristics, functions, composition, and genetics of blood based on the provided anatomy and physiology materials.

Blood

A type of connective tissue that transports substances throughout the body and helps maintain a stable internal environment.

Hematocrit

The percentage of packed red blood cells in a sample; the average is $45\%$, with females ranging from $37\text{--}48\%$ and males from $45\text{--}52\%$.

Average Blood Volume

In an adult the average volume is $5\,\text{L}$; specifically $4\text{--}5\,\text{L}$ for females and $5\text{--}6\,\text{L}$ for males.

Blood Temperature

The average temperature of blood is $38^\circ\text{C}$ ($100.4^\circ\text{F}$).

Blood pH

Slightly basic, ranging from $7.35$ to $7.45$.

Blood Osmolarity

The average osmolarity of blood is $0.9\%$.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood that is highly oxygenated appears bright red, while poorly oxygenated blood appears dull red.

Blood Regulation Functions

Regulation of body pH through buffers and amino acids, regulation of body temperature, and regulation of water balance and loss of body fluid.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood making up $55\%$ of its volume; it consists of $90\text{--}91\%$ water, $7\text{--}8\%$ protein, and $1\text{--}2\%$ acids and salts.

Formed Elements

The solid components of blood making up $45\%$ of its volume, including erythrocytes ($99\%$), thrombocytes ($0.6\text{--}1.0\%$), and leukocytes ($<0.2\%$).

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs), which function as the primary formed element in the blood.

Thrombocytes

Platelets, which are involved in blood clotting and comprise a small percentage of formed elements.

Leukocytes

White blood cells (WBCs), which work with the immune response to protect the body from microbes.

Hemoglobin Molecule

A molecule within red blood cells composed of four polypeptide chains (alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2) and iron-containing heme groups.

Karl Landsteiner

A scientist who, around 1900, determined that blood was of different types and only certain combinations were compatible.

Dr. Charles Drew

The individual who opened the first blood bank in 1941 in New York.

Antigen

A protein on the cell membrane; Antigen A indicates type A, Antigen B indicates type B, both indicate AB, and none indicates type O.

Antibodies (Agglutinins)

Proteins present in the plasma that react with specific antigens (agglutinogens).

Type AB Blood

Known as the universal recipient; it is a less common blood type with genotype $I^AI^B$.

Type O Blood

Known as the universal donor; it is the most common blood type with the homozygous recessive genotype $ii$.

Rh Factor

A genetic antigen factor named after the rhesus monkey; Rh+ is a dominant gene found in about $85\%$ of the population, and Rh- is recessive found in $15\%$.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

A hemolytic disease of the newborn involving fetal red blood cell breakage, often occurring when maternal Rh antibodies attack fetal blood cells.

RhoGam

A vaccine found in 1968 used to prevent the sensitization of an Rh- mother to Rh+ fetal blood.