The Circulatory System: Blood

Flashcards about the circulatory system and blood, covering topics such as blood composition, plasma proteins, red and white blood cells, platelets, blood types, and hemostasis.

Circulatory System

The transportation system of the body, consisting of the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system.

Functions of the Circulatory System

Transports nutrients, oxygen, wastes, and hormones; helps maintain body temperature, fluid balance, and acid-base balance; and protects the body against pathogens.

Composition of Blood

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in plasma.

Plasma composition

92% water, 7% proteins, salts, nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, hormones, and wastes.

Blood pH

7.35-7.45

Weight of blood as percentage of body weight

8%

Average Blood Volume

Males: 5.6L; Females: 4-5L

Normal Body Temperature

38°C

Plasma relationship with interstitial and intracellular fluid

Dynamic equilibrium

Three Groups of Plasma Proteins

Albumins, Globulins, and Fibrinogen.

Where are plasma proteins manufactured?

Liver

Albumin Function

Major component of osmotic pressure of plasma

Globulin function

Antibodies (immunoglobulin) and transport proteins

Fibrinogen function

Functions in blood clotting

Alpha Globulins

Hormones, transport proteins, prothrombin, and High density Lipoproteins (HDLs)

Beta Globulins

Other Lipoproteins and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs). Proteins that transport certain Vitamins and Minerals

Gamma Globulins

Antibodies that provide immunity to disease.

Serum includes

Water, Salts, Dissolved Gases, Hormones, Glucose, Wastes

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Tiny, biconcave, flexible disks that transport oxygen and produce hemoglobin; lacking a nucleus when mature.

Hemoglobin

The red pigment in RBCs that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Oxyhemoglobin

Bright red; formed when oxygen combines with hemoglobin.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Bluish; hemoglobin that is oxygen deficient.

Formation of Blood Cells

Hemopoiesis

Red bone marrow's role in hemopoiesis

Produces all types of blood cells.

Lymphatic tissue's role in hemopoiesis

Produces lymphocytes

Hormone secreted when O2 levels decrease

Kidneys secrete erythropoietin (EPO)

Average life span of a red blood cell

120 days

Organ that produces erythropoietin

Kidneys

What happens to old and damaged red blood cells?

Destroyed by the Liver, Spleen or Bone Marrow

Anemia

A deficiency in hemoglobin

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Defend the body against pathogens and other foreign substances; there are 5 kinds.

Granular Leukocytes

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils

Agranular Leukocytes

Lymphocytes and monocytes

Neutrophil Function

Engulf bacteria, foreign matter, and dead cells (main phagocytes in the blood).

Eosinophil Function

Destroy pathogens, especially parasitic worms; important during allergic reactions

Basophil Function

Release histamine (dilates blood vessels) and heparin (anticoagulant); important during allergic reactions

Monocyte Function

Develop into macrophages—large phagocytic cells.

Lymphocyte Function

Some produce antibodies; others attack viruses or bacteria directly.

Platelets

Cell fragments that function in blood clotting; patch tears in blood vessel walls by forming a platelet plug.

Clotting Factors

Prothrombin activator converts prothrombin to thrombin; thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin.

Dissolution of Blood Clots

Platelets contract; fibrinolysis occurs.

Factors That Discourage Blood Clots

Smooth endothelium, blood flow, and anticoagulants.

Blood Transfusion

The transfer of Blood from a Donor to a Recipient

Antigens defining blood type

Specific proteins on the surfaces of red blood cells.

Individuals with type A blood

Have type A antigen and anti-B antibodies.

Individuals with type B blood

Have type B antigen and anti-A antibodies.

People with type AB blood

Have both types of antigens and no antibodies to A or B blood; called universal recipients.

Individuals with type O blood

Have neither type of antigen but both types of antibodies; called universal donors.

Rh factor (Rhesus factor)

A type of protein on the outside of the RBC

Percentage of people that are Rh negative

About 15% of the population are without antigen D

Rhogam

Given to Rh neg pregnant moms with Rh pos babys.