Anatomy 202 Chapter 14

Percentage of plasma proteins that is albumin

Approximately 60%

Production site of albumin

In the liver

Main function of albumin

Maintains osmotic pressure; transports substances; pH buffer

Subtypes of globulins

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma

Origin of alpha globulins

Liver

Function of alpha globulins

Transport lipids, vitamins, hormones; enzyme inhibitors

Origin of beta globulins

Liver

Function of beta globulins

Transport iron and lipids; aids immune response

Origin of gamma globulins

Plasma cells (B lymphocytes)

Function of gamma globulins

Serve as antibodies and provide immune defense

Percentage of plasma proteins that is globulin

Approximately 36% (total of alpha, beta, and gamma)

Percentage of plasma proteins that is fibrinogen

Approximately 4%

Production site of fibrinogen

In the liver

Function of fibrinogen

Forms fibrin during blood clotting

Formed elements of blood

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Plasma

The liquid part of blood, mostly water with proteins, nutrients, and wastes.

Origin of blood cells

In red bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells.

Importance of red blood cell counts

They help diagnose conditions like anemia or polycythemia.

Lifespan of a red blood cell

About 120 days.

Removal of old red blood cells

By macrophages in the liver and spleen.

Hormone controlling RBC production

Erythropoietin (EPO).

Types of white blood cells

Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes.

Function of neutrophils

Phagocytize bacteria; first response to infection.

Function of eosinophils

Attack parasites; involved in allergic reactions.

Function of basophils

Release histamine in allergies.

Function of monocytes

Become macrophages; clean up debris and pathogens.

Function of lymphocytes

B cells produce antibodies; T cells destroy infected cells.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help with blood clotting.

Major plasma components

Water, proteins (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, gases, hormones, wastes.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding.

Three steps of hemostasis

Vascular spasm, platelet plug, and coagulation.

Main steps in blood coagulation

Formation of prothrombin activator → thrombin → fibrin → clot.

Prevention of blood clotting

Natural anticoagulants (e.g., heparin), medications, and calcium-binding agents in storage.

Determination of blood type

Antigens on red blood cells (A, B, AB, O) and Rh factor.

Importance of blood typing for transfusions

To avoid agglutination and immune reactions.

Rh incompatibility in pregnancy

When an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, potentially causing hemolytic disease in later pregnancies.

Prevention of Rh incompatibility

With RhoGAM injections during and after pregnancy.