Bio 314 Exam 1

Myths about blood

Misconceptions regarding the nature and functions of blood, including the idea of a "vital force" and hereditary traits being transmitted through blood.

Hematology

The study of blood and its components.

Circulatory system

Comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for transporting substances throughout the body.

Cardiovascular system

Refers specifically to the heart and blood vessels, excluding blood.

Functions of the Circulatory system

Includes transport of gases, nutrients, wastes, hormones, and stem cells; protection through leukocytes; and regulation of fluid balance, pH, and temperature.

Blood volume in adults

Adults typically have 4 to 6 liters of blood.

Plasma

The liquid matrix of blood, a clear, light yellow fluid.

Formed elements

Blood cells and cell fragments, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for oxygen transport.

Thrombocytes

Platelets, which are cell fragments involved in blood clotting.

Leukocytes

White blood cells (WBCs) that play a role in the immune response.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes that contain granules, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Agranulocytes

A category of leukocytes that do not contain granules, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Hematocrit

A measure obtained by centrifuging blood to separate its components, indicating the percentage of erythrocytes in total blood volume.

Buffy coat

The layer of white blood cells and platelets that forms between the plasma and erythrocytes after centrifugation.

Serum

The fluid remaining after blood clots and solids are removed, similar to plasma but without fibrinogen.

Plasma proteins

Proteins in plasma, including albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen, with various functions in the body.

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to flow, important for circulatory function, with whole blood being more viscous than water.

Osmolarity of blood

The total molarity of dissolved particles in blood, affecting water absorption and blood pressure.

Hemopoiesis

The production of blood, particularly its formed elements, occurring in hemopoietic tissues.

Yolk Sac

The structure that produces stem cells for the first blood cells during fetal development.

Hemocytoblasts

Multipotent stem cells in the bone marrow that give rise to all types of blood cells.

Myeloid hemopoiesis

Blood formation that occurs in the bone marrow.

Lymphoid hemopoiesis

Blood formation that occurs in lymphatic organs, primarily involving lymphocytes after infancy.

Colony-forming unit

Specialized stem cells only producing one class of formed elements of blood

Red bone marrow production

Produces all seven elements

Multipotent stem cells

Aka adult stem cells

Many kinds

Specifically called menocytoblasts or hemopoietic stems cells

Occurance of liver and production at birth

Stops producing blood cells

Spleen involvement after birth

Lymphocyte production

High blood osmolarity

Blood absorbs too much water, increasing blood pressure

Low blood osmolarity

Too much water remains in tissue, blood pressure drops, edema occurs

Optimum osmolarity

Body’s regulation of sodium ions, proteins, and red blood cells