Pathophysiology: Blood, Anemias, and Hypertension Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key concepts of blood physiology, plasma components, types of anemia, reticulocyte classification, and arterial hypertension.

Blood

The fluid circulating throughout the body via the circulatory system, composed of the heart and a network of blood vessels.

Circulatory Circuits

The two complementary blood circuits consisting of major (general) circulation and minor (pulmonary) circulation.

Blood Cell Composition per Drop

One drop of blood contains approximately 5 million red blood cells, 5,000 to 10,000 white blood cells, and around 250,000 platelets.

Blood Plasma

The liquid component of the blood.

Plasma Proteins

The most abundant solutes in plasma, mostly formed in the liver, primarily consisting of albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen.

Globulins

Plasma proteins making up around 38\text{\textpercent} of total plasma proteins, divided into alpha (a), beta (b), and gamma (y) globulins.

Alpha Globulins (Globulinas a)

Plasma globulins responsible for transporting bilirubin and steroids.

Beta Globulins (Globulinas b)

Plasma globulins responsible for transporting iron and copper.

Gamma Globulins (Globulinas y)

Plasma globulins that constitute the antibodies of the immune system.

Fibrinogen

A major plasma protein that constitutes approximately 7\text{\textpercent} of plasma proteins.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes / Hematíes)

The most predominant cell type in blood, containing the reddish pigment hemoglobin and lacking a nucleus when fully formed.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A reddish pigment contained within red blood cells, the concentration of which is reduced in anemia.

Anemia

Defined as the reduction in the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb).

Causes of Decreased Hb Production

Bone marrow depression, accelerated destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), or red blood cell loss (hemorrhage).

Hematopoiesis

The process by which circulating blood cells are formed in the bone marrow.

Spleen

An organ whose primary function is to destroy aged red blood cells.

Primary Causes of Anemia by Demographics

Menstrual disorders in women, iron deficiency (ferropenic) in adult males, and low dietary iron intake in children.

Reticulocyte Count

The central axis used for the physiopathological classification of anemias into regenerative (acute) or hyporegenerative (chronic).

Hyporegenerative Anemia vs. Regenerative Anemia

Hyporegenerative anemia involves bone marrow lesions with absent reticulocytosis (< 1\text{\textpercent}); Regenerative anemia involves lesions outside the bone marrow with present reticulocytosis (> 1\text{\textpercent}).

Four Major Hyporegenerative Anemias

Iron deficiency anemia, Megaloblastic anemia, Aplastic anemia, and Anemia of chronic kidney disease.

Iron Deficiency Anemia (Anemia Ferropénica)

A hyporegenerative anemia where iron deficiency interferes with normal heme synthesis and reduces erythropoiesis.

Megaloblastic Anemia

Anemia caused by impaired DNA synthesis resulting from a deficiency in vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Megaloblast

A giant cell formed during impaired DNA synthesis in megaloblastic anemia.

Pernicious Anemia

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, caused by a deficiency of intrinsic factor.

Aplastic Anemia

A disorder of totipotent stem cells caused by bone marrow failure, occurring through predictable or immune-mediated injury mechanisms.

Fanconi Anemia

A form of aplastic anemia that may or may not be reversible depending on its underlying cause.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced mainly in the kidneys and liver, whose production is compromised in anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Anemia due to Hemorrhage

A type of regenerative anemia whose severity depends on the quantity and rate of blood loss, as well as whether the loss is internal or external.

Hypertension (Arterial Hypertension / HAS)

Defined as the continuous elevation of systolic blood pressure, commonly referred to as the 'Silent Killer'.

Factors Responsible for Generating Blood Pressure

Cardiac output, blood volume, and peripheral resistance.

Peripheral Vascular Resistance

The friction exerted against arterial walls as blood circulates at high velocity through the vascular system.

Hormone-Induced Blood Pressure Changes

Injections of hormone-derived medications such as epinephrine or norepinephrine immediately increase blood pressure.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hypertension

Genetic factors, excessive dietary salt, overweight or obesity, stress, physical inactivity, tobacco, and alcohol usage.

Health Risks of Hypertension

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident), heart disease, renal failure, vision loss/damage, and vascular damage.