Ch 18 Cardiovascular System: Blood

What are the primary functions of blood?

1. Transportation: gases, nutrients, waste products, regulatory molecules. 2. Protection against foreign substances. 3. Regulatory functions: maintenance of body temperature, pH regulation. 4. Clot formation.

What is the total blood volume in an adult?

4-6 liters.

What is plasma?

The liquid part of blood, composed of 91% water and 9% other substances such as proteins, ions, nutrients, waste products, gases, regulatory substances.

What are the main components of plasma by weight?

Proteins (7%): Albumins (58%), Globulins (38%), Fibrinogen (4%). Water (91%). Other solutes (2%).

What is Hematopoiesis?

The process of production of formed elements of blood, derived from stem cells.

What type of cells do proerythroblasts develop into?

Red blood cells.

What are the percentages of different white blood cells in the body?

Neutrophils (60-70%), Lymphocytes (20-25%), Monocytes (3-8%), Eosinophils (2-4%), Basophils (0.5-1%).

What role do platelets play in the blood?

They are important in preventing blood loss by forming platelet plugs and promoting clot formation.

What is the difference between antigens and antibodies in blood grouping?

Antigens are on the surface of red blood cells, while antibodies in the plasma can bind to these antigens, causing agglutination.

What does Rh+ signify in blood types?

The presence of the Rh antigen on the surface of red blood cells.

What is the significance of RhoGAM?

It is used to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn by blocking the mother's immune response to Rh positive blood from the fetus.