Chapter 15 The Hematologic System

These flashcards cover essential information from Chapter 15 on the hematologic system, including functions of blood, components of blood, the role of plasma proteins, production and characteristics of blood cells, changes with aging, and hematologic disorders.

What are the primary functions of blood?

Transportation of water, oxygen, nutrients, hormones, waste products; regulation of fluid volume, electrolyte distribution, pH balance, body temperature; providing clotting factors.

What are the components of blood?

Blood is composed of formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) and plasma.

What role do albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen play in blood?

Albumin raises osmotic pressure, globulins act as carriers and antibodies, fibrinogen is essential for blood clot formation.

How does erythropoiesis occur?

Blood cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow, prompted by erythropoietin produced by the kidneys.

What is the lifespan and primary function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells live for approximately 120 days and carry oxygen to cells while removing some carbon dioxide.

What is the normal range for white blood cells (WBCs) in adults?

The normal laboratory range for total leukocytes is 4500 to 11,000/mm3.

What are the functions of platelets in the hematologic system?

Platelets prevent bleeding and maintain hemostasis by promoting clotting when blood vessels are damaged.

What changes occur in the hematologic system with aging?

Plasma volume decreases, bone marrow production declines, immune response weakens, and blood coagulation tends to increase.

Which factors can lead to hematologic disorders?

Anemia, blood loss, hemolysis, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.

What genetic tendencies exist related to hematologic disorders in different populations?

African Americans have high incidence of sickle cell disease; Scandinavian and African Americans have higher rates of megaloblastic anemia; Middle Easterners may have thalassemia predisposition; whites have a higher incidence of leukemia.