Blood: Plasma, Formed Elements, and Blood Typing Review

Flashcards covering plasma and formed elements, plasma proteins, WBCs and platelets, hematocrit and Hb, RBC lifespan and destruction, hemostasis, and ABO/Rh blood typing with serology.

What percentage of whole blood is plasma?

About 55%.

What percentage of whole blood are formed elements?

About 45%.

Which components are included in formed elements of blood?

Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets.

Name the major plasma proteins and their approximate proportions.

Albumin ~57%, Globulins ~38%, Fibrinogen ~4%, Prothrombin ~1%.

What is the buffy coat in a centrifuged blood sample?

The layer that contains leukocytes and platelets between plasma and packed red blood cells.

What are the major constituents of plasma water and solutes?

Water ~91%, Other solutes ~2%, Plasma proteins ~7%.

List major plasma electrolytes.

Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Chloride (Cl−), Bicarbonate (HCO3−).

What is hematocrit?

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells (packed cell volume).

What are normal hematocrit ranges for adults?

Males: 42–52%; Females: 37–48%.

What is the normal hemoglobin concentration range?

About 12–18 g/dL; Men 13–18 g/dL; Women 12–16 g/dL.

How long do red blood cells typically live?

About 120 days.

Where are aged RBCs destroyed?

By macrophages in the spleen and bone marrow.

What is the primary function of platelets?

Blood clotting (hemostasis).

From what cells are platelets derived?

Megakaryocytes in bone marrow; platelets are cytoplasmic fragments budded off.

Which white blood cells are agranulocytes?

Lymphocytes and Monocytes.

What are the five major types of leukocytes?

Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes.

What is the typical proportion of neutrophils among circulating leukocytes?

60–70%.

What are eosinophils and their typical percentage?

2–4% of leukocytes; bi-lobed; involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

What are basophils and their typical percentage?

What are lymphocytes and their typical percentage?

~20–25% of leukocytes; B cells produce antibodies; T cells mediate cell-based immunity.

What are monocytes and their typical percentage?

~3–8% of leukocytes; differentiate into macrophages in tissues; phagocytose.

What is Wright's stain used for?

Stains blood cells; methylene blue stains nuclei; eosin stains cytoplasm; distinguishes cell types.

What are the phases of hemostasis?

Vascular (vasoconstriction), Platelet plug formation, Coagulation (clotting), and Clot retraction.

What is hematopoietic buffy coat composed of after centrifugation?

White blood cells and platelets.

What is the ABO blood typing system based on?

Antigens A and B on RBC surfaces and antibodies against those antigens in plasma.

What antigens and antibodies define Type A blood?

Antigen A on RBCs; antibodies against B (anti-B) in plasma.

What antibodies are present in Type B blood?

Anti-A antibodies in plasma.

What antibodies are present in Type O blood?

Anti-A and anti-B antibodies in plasma; no A or B antigens on RBCs.

What is the Rh factor?

D antigen on RBC; Rh+ if present, Rh- if absent.

What does agglutination indicate in blood typing?

Clumping of cells due to antibody-antigen reaction; indicates the presence of specific antigens or antibodies.

How is blood type determined in the lab using serums?

Add Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-D (Rh) serums and observe agglutination patterns to determine ABO and Rh type.

What is the function of albumin in plasma?

Maintains osmotic pressure and serves as a carrier for substances.

Which cells lack a nucleus in mature form?

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) lack a nucleus (and mitochondria, ER, ribosomes).