Chapter 1-7 Lecture Review: Blood and Cell Biology

Flashcards covering key concepts from lecture notes on blood components, various blood disorders, clotting factors, and a mini-review of cell biology and physiological responses.

What components does blood contain?

Blood contains red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

How many liters of blood does the human body typically contain?

The human body typically contains five liters of blood.

What is the main function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

The main function of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is to transport oxygen throughout the body.

How is the amount of oxygen in red blood cells measured?

The amount of oxygen in red blood cells is measured by hemoglobin (Hgb).

What is hematocrit?

Hematocrit is the total amount of red blood cells in the blood.

What does very bright red blood indicate?

Very bright red blood indicates that it has more oxygen.

What is the process of red blood cell production called, and where does it occur?

Red blood cell production is called erythropoiesis, and it occurs in the bones.

Which organs primarily regulate red blood cell production by determining oxygen needs?

The kidneys (and a little bit the liver) regulate red blood cell production by determining oxygen needs.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a decrease in circulating red blood cells.

What are common symptoms of anemia?

Common symptoms of anemia include lethargy, easy fatigue, easy bruising, and easy bleeding.

What is happening to red blood cells in sickle cell anemia?

In sickle cell anemia, red blood cells become sickle or crescent-shaped, causing them to get stuck and leading to swelling and severe pain.

What is the primary cause of iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by not having enough iron in the body, leading to a decrease in healthy red blood cells.

How is pernicious anemia caused?

Pernicious anemia is caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12.

What are common neurological signs and symptoms associated with pernicious anemia?

Neurological signs and symptoms are common with pernicious anemia, due to the role of B12 in metabolism.

What is polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera is a rare, slow-growing blood cancer where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, often caused by a JAK2 gene mutation.

What is thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited disease characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein.

What is aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia occurs when the body stops making new blood cells, leading to symptoms of anemia, neutropenia (low white blood cells, causing infections), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets, causing prolonged bleeding).

What is the vital role of platelets?

Platelets are a vital component of coagulation (blood clotting) and respond to cell injury.

What is thrombocytosis and what are the associated risks?

Thrombocytosis is an increase in platelets (too many clotting factors), which increases the risk of blood clots, potentially leading to heart attack, embolism, or stroke.

What is thrombocytopenia and what is the major risk?

Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in platelets (too few clotting factors), with a major risk of continuous bleeding.

What is hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder, most common in males, where the blood does not clot properly due to issues with clotting factors (Factor VIII in Type A, Factor IX in Type B).

What is DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)?

DIC is a condition where the body's ability to clot suddenly stops, leading to constant bleeding from multiple sites, often caused by sepsis.

What is von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly due to a deficiency or defect in the von Willebrand factor, impacting platelet adhesion and aggregation.

What specific role does von Willebrand factor play in clotting?

Von Willebrand factor is directly involved in platelet adhesion (attaching to a surface) and aggregation (binding platelets together).

What is hypertrophy?

Hypertrophy is the enlargement of cells, often due to increased stress or workload.

What is atrophy?

Atrophy is the decrease in size or wasting away of cells or tissue.

What is called the 'powerhouse of the cell'?

The 'powerhouse of the cell' is the mitochondria.

What structure dictates the activities of the cell?

The nucleus dictates the activities of the cell.

Which type of gene, dominant or recessive, is most likely to be expressed?

A dominant gene is most likely to be expressed.

What is the key difference between a benign and a malignant tumor?

A malignant tumor is cancerous, spreads, and has irregular borders, whereas a benign tumor is not cancerous and does not spread.

What condition results from trisomy 21?

Trisomy 21 results in Down syndrome.

What is the effect of high levels of histamine in the body?

High levels of histamine in the body dilate vessels.

What physiological changes occur during a 'fight or flight' stress response?

During a 'fight or flight' response, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, temperature, and blood glucose increase, while the urge to urinate and hunger decrease.

Which system is dominant during periods of sleep and digestion, leading to lower vital signs?

The parasympathetic system is dominant during periods of sleep and digestion, leading to lower vital signs.