Blood Physiology and Composition Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering blood composition, fluid compartments, cell types, haematopoiesis, and the differences between plasma and serum.

What is the distribution of total body fluid between the intracellular and extracellular compartments in an adult?

The intracellular fluid (ICF) makes up $2/3$ of total body fluids, while extracellular fluid (ECF) makes up $1/3$.

According to the lecture, how does the viscosity of blood compare to that of water?

Blood has a viscosity approximately five times greater than water.

What are the three categories of plasma proteins mentioned and their primary functions?

Albumin (osmotic balance and pH buffering), Fibrinogen (clotting), and Immunoglobins (immunity/antibodies).

What is the primary difference in composition between blood plasma and serum?

Plasma contains clotting factors and fibrinogen, whereas serum is the liquid remaining after blood has clotted and lacks these components.

What is the name of the mitotic precursor stem cell for all blood cells, and where is the primary location of haematopoiesis in adults?

The stem cell is the hemocytoblast; haematopoiesis occurs in the red bone marrow, mainly in the axial skeleton and the heads of the femur and humerus.

Define 'Erythropoiesis' and identify which hormone primarily regulates it.

Erythropoiesis is the maturation, development, and formation of RBCs (erythrocytes); it is stimulated by Erythropoietin (EPO), which is produced by the kidney.

What are the average life span and the typical diameter of a mature red blood cell?

A mature RBC has a life span of $120$ days and a diameter of $6-8$ micrometers ($\text{μm}$).

Which types of hormones are noted to stimulate Erythropoietin production, and which hormone suppresses it?

Thyroid hormones, TSH, adrenal cortical steroids, and androgens stimulate production, while oestrogens suppress it.

List the five different types of leukocytes (white blood cells) mentioned in the lecture.

Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, and Monocytes.

What are platelets (thrombocytes) derived from, and what is their typical life span?

Platelets are fragments from the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes and have a life span of approximately $8-12$ days.