Ch 27 Components of Blood

What are the 5 major functions of blood?

Transportation (oxygen, nutrients, hormones, waste), Protection (WBCs), Regulation (temperature, pH levels, fluid volume), Clotting (platelets), Immunization (detects/destroys abnormal cells).

What is the function of hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin binds to and transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Why is deoxygenated blood not blue?

Deoxygenated blood appears deep red due to the presence of iron and light refraction through the skin.

What happens to red blood cells after they age?

Aged or damaged red blood cells are broken down by the liver and spleen. Iron and bilirubin are released during the process.

What are the four main components of blood?

Plasma, Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), and Platelets.

What does erythropoiesis mean?

Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell production, stimulated by erythropoietin released from the kidneys and liver in response to low blood oxygen levels.

What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

A common diagnostic test that measures the types and numbers of cells in the blood, including differential WBC count.

What is plasma composed of?

Plasma is about 90% water with about 10% protein, ions, dissolved gases, and nutrients.

What are the three plasma proteins?

Albumin, Globulins (including antibodies), and Clotting factors (like fibrinogen and prothrombin).

What is the function of albumin in plasma?

Albumin maintains blood volume by regulating water movement in and out of blood vessels. It is synthesized by the liver and prevents edema when present in adequate levels.

What are signs of edema due to low albumin?

Swelling due to fluid leaking into interstitial spaces, often measurable by the depth of a thumbprint.

What is the function of globulins?

Include antibodies and help transport fats in the blood; synthesized by lymphocytes or the liver.

What are erythrocytes?

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; biconcave, flexible, and lack a nucleus.

Where are red blood cells produced?

In bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis, stimulated by erythropoietin.

What is hemoglobin and its function?

A protein in RBCs that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide; each heme binds up to 4 oxygen molecules.

What are leukocytes?

White Blood Cells (WBCs); part of the immune system, have a nucleus, and do not contain hemoglobin.

Name the 5 types of WBCs.

Neutrophils, Basophils, Eosinophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes.

What do neutrophils do?

They perform phagocytosis on small pathogens and act as non-specific immune defenders.

What does eosinophil activity increase during?

Eosinophils increase during allergic reactions and parasitic infections, combating histamine and large pathogens.

What do lymphocytes do?

Lymphocytes include B cells (produce antibodies) and T cells (attack infected cells), crucial for adaptive immunity.

What are thrombocytes?

Platelets; responsible for blood clotting and maintaining hemostasis.

What is the role of Vitamin K in clotting?

Vitamin K promotes blood clotting by aiding in the production of clotting factors.

What are the three phases of blood hemostasis?

Vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and fibrin clot (coagulation).

What conditions increase clotting?

Vitamin K, Atherosclerosis, Body immobilization, and coagulation factor conditions.

What conditions oppose clotting?

Heparin, Coumadin, smooth vessel surfaces, and streptokinase.

What does hematocrit measure?

The percentage of whole blood volume occupied by cellular elements. Normal: Men = 40–54%, Women = 38–46%.

What is sickle cell anemia?

A genetic disorder where red blood cells are sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen transport and causing pain due to poor circulation.

What is hemophilia?

A genetic disorder where blood has reduced clotting ability, often due to missing or faulty clotting factors.

What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the leg. Can lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs.

What is Rh incompatibility in pregnancy?

Occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby. The mother's immune system may attack fetal red blood cells without intervention.

What determines blood type?

The presence of surface antigens (A, B, Rh) on red blood cells.