chapter 19 notes

What is the composition of blood?

Blood is composed of plasma (liquid extracellular matrix) and formed elements: erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and platelets.

What is hematocrit?

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood composed of erythrocytes.

What are the main functions of blood?

Blood functions include gas exchange, distributing solutes, performing immune functions, maintaining body temperature, sealing damaged vessels, preserving acid-base homeostasis, and stabilizing blood pressure.

What is plasma primarily composed of?

Plasma is primarily composed of 90% water and contains proteins, solutes, and gases.

What role do albumin proteins play in blood?

Albumin helps maintain blood's colloid osmotic pressure, drawing water into the blood via osmosis.

What is the function of erythrocytes?

Erythrocytes transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.

What are the key components of the coagulation cascade?

The coagulation cascade involves clotting factors, enzymes produced by the liver, and results in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.

What triggers erythropoiesis?

Erythropoiesis is triggered by low oxygen levels detected by kidney cells, which then produce erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition characterized by decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

What is the most common type of anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia, caused by inadequate dietary iron, reduced absorption, or blood loss.

What is polycythemia?

Polycythemia is when the hematocrit is too high, often due to excessive production of erythrocytes.

What is the purpose of the Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

A CBC evaluates the number and characteristics of blood cells, including erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

What are granulocytes?

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that contain specific granules and include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

What is the function of platelets?

Platelets are involved in blood clotting and help seal damaged blood vessels.

What events are involved in hemostasis?

Hemostasis involves vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation to stop blood loss from an injured vessel.

What is the significance of R h factor in blood typing?

The R h factor determines if blood is R h-positive (presence of antigen) or R h-negative (absence of antigen), affecting transfusion compatibility.

What happens in Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

It occurs when an R h-negative mother develops antibodies against the R h-positive blood of her fetus, potentially leading to fetal erythrocyte destruction.

What is thrombolysis?

Thrombolysis is the process of dissolving a clot after a wound has healed, typically involving enzymes that degrade fibrin.

What is the role of anticoagulants in blood clotting?

Anticoagulants are substances that inhibit clotting processes and regulate blood clot formation to prevent inappropriate clotting.