Blood Functions and Composition

These flashcards cover the essential vocabulary and concepts related to blood functions, composition, and related disorders.

Transport (Blood Function #1)

Deliver O2 and nutrients to body cells and transport metabolic wastes to lungs and kidneys for elimination.

Regulation/Maintaining (Blood Function #2)

Maintain body temperature, normal pH using buffers, and adequate fluid volume in circulatory system.

Protection (Blood Function #3)

Prevent blood loss through clotting and prevent infection by carrying antibodies and white blood cells.

Composition of Blood

Blood is a fluid tissue, a type of connective tissue, with cells suspended in fluid plasma.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that comprises about 55% of whole blood and contains various dissolved substances.

Hematocrit

The percent of blood volume that is comprised of red blood cells.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells (WBCs) that are part of the immune system.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in the initiation of clot formation.

Buffy Coat

Thin, whitish layer between red blood cells and plasma containing white blood cells and platelets.

Normal hematocrit values for Males

47% ± 5%.

Normal hematocrit values for Females

42% ± 5%.

Physical characteristics of blood

Metallic due to iron, fairly neutral pH (around 7.4), and a volume of about 4-6 L.

Plasma Composition

About 90% water and contains over 100 dissolved solutes including nutrients, gases, and proteins.

Albumin

The most abundant plasma protein that makes up 60% of plasma proteins and contributes to osmotic pressure.

Erythropoiesis

The process of RBC formation that occurs in red bone marrow and takes about 15 days.

Hematopoiesis

Formation of all blood cells, primarily occurring in red bone marrow.

RBC Characteristics

Biconcave disc shape, anucleate, flexible, and contain hemoglobin for gas transport.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells responsible for binding and transporting oxygen.

Oxyhemoglobin

A compound formed when hemoglobin binds with oxygen in the lungs.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Reduced hemoglobin that is formed when oxygen is unloaded in tissues.

Carbaminohemoglobin

Formed when carbon dioxide binds to hemoglobin in the tissues.

Hormonal control of RBC production

Erythropoietin (EPO) stimulates the formation of red blood cells.

Testosterone's role in RBC production

Enhances EPO production leading to higher RBC counts in males.

Dietary requirements for Erythropoiesis

Amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are necessary for RBC formation.

Life span of RBCs

Approximately 100-120 days.

Anemia

A condition characterized by an abnormally low oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Symptoms of Anemia

Fatigue, pallor, dyspnea, and chills.

Iron-deficiency anemia

A type of anemia caused by low iron intake, leading to the production of small, pale red blood cells (microcytes).

Pernicious Anemia

A form of anemia resulting from a lack of vitamin B12, causing cells to become large and unable to divide (macrocytes).

Renal (Kidney) Anemia

Anemia due to a lack of erythropoietin, often associated with renal disease.

Aplastic anemia

A type of anemia due to the destruction or inhibition of red bone marrow.

Hemolytic anemia

Anemia caused by premature lysis of red blood cells, often due to incompatible transfusions or infections.

Sickle-cell anemia

A genetic disorder resulting in malformed red blood cells that can cause clots and poor oxygen delivery.

Life span of Erythrocytes

About 100-120 days before breakdown occurs in macrophages.