A&P: blood

Cellular elements

• erythrocytes (RBCs), leukocytes (WBCs), and platelets 

Hematocrit

 proportion of blood volume occupied by RED blood cells: plasma color variations due to bilirubin levels in different species

Hemolysis

process by which red blood cells break down

polycythemia

increased levels

Dehydration

less plasma volume

High altitude adaptation

increased RBC production

Certain diseases

erythrocytosis

anemia

decreased levels in blood

red top for blood collection

no anticoagulants or additives

purple top

contains anticoagulant & preserves cell morphology

green top

contains anticoagulant & immediate plasma separation

blue top

contains citrate & coagulation studies

gray top

flouride & prevents glycolysis

blood functions

• transport

• regulation

• protection

Oxygen transport

• hemoglobin in red blood cells binds oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to tissues; important for energy production via cellular respiration 

Carbon dioxide removal

transports carbon dioxide (produced during metabolism) from tissues to the lungs for exhalation; maintains acid-base balance by converting carbon dioxide to bicarbonate

Nutrient distribution

• delivers absorbed nutrients (ex. Glucose, amino acids, fatty acids) from the digestive system to cells; carries minerals (ex. Calcium and phosphorus) and vitamins to support metabolic processes

Waste removal

removes metabolic-by-products (ex. Urea, creatinine) and transports them to excretory organs

Hormone transport

blood circulates hormones from endocrine glands to target organs, regulating growth, reproduction, and metabolism

Heat distribution

transfers heat from metabolically active areas (ex. muscles ) to the skin for dissipation, aiding in thermoregulation

pH balance

• acts as a buffer system to maintain blood pH between 7.35-7.45

Key buffers for pH

bicarbonate, hemoglobin, and plasma proteins

Temperature regulation

• facilitates heat exchange between the core and periphery

  • Adjusts blood flow to the skin and extremities based on environmental conditions

Fluid Balance

plasma proteins (ex. albumin) help regulate osmotic pressure, maintaining fluid distribution between blood vessels and tissues

Electrolyte balance

maintains levels of critical ions (ex. Sodium, potassium, and calcium) for nerve function, muscle contraction, and enzyme activity

major components of plasma

• albumin

• globulins

• fibrinogen

• electrolytes

Albumin

maintains oncotic pressure and prevents fluid leakage into tissues acts as a carried for substances like hormones, drugs, and fatty acids

three types of Globulins

alpha, beta, & gamma

alpha & beta globulins

transport lipids, vitamins, and hormones

gamma globulins

• immunoglobulins (antibodies) critical for immune defense 

Fibrinogen

•  a soluble protein essential for blood clot formation 

electrolytes

• sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate