Blood Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts and details from the lecture on Blood Physiology, including hematopoiesis, blood composition, functions, blood types, and clinical applications.

What is hematopoiesis?

The process by which blood cells are formed.

Where does hematopoiesis begin?

In the early embryo and continues throughout life.

What is the daily production rate of blood cells after birth?

100 billion cells per day.

What are the main functions of blood?

Transportation, respiration, nutrition, excretion, hormonal regulation, thermoregulation, and protection.

What percentage of blood is plasma?

55%.

What are the formed elements of blood?

Erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

What is the percentage of water in blood plasma?

90%.

What is the primary role of albumin in plasma?

Maintains osmotic pressure.

What are the types of granulocytes?

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

What characterizes erythrocytes structurally?

They lack nuclei and organelles and are biconcave discs.

How many hemoglobin molecules are in each erythrocyte?

Approximately 280 million.

What is the lifespan of red blood cells?

100-120 days.

What is hematocrit?

The proportion of blood that consists of red blood cells.

What is erythropoietin (EPO)?

A hormone that maintains the balance between production and destruction of red blood cells.

What is the primary function of leukocytes?

Protection and immune response.

How do white blood cells move?

In an amoeboid fashion via cytoplasmic extensions.

What types of antigens are found in the ABO blood system?

Antigens A and B.

Which blood group is known as the universal donor?

Type O-.

Which blood group is the universal recipient?

Type AB+.

What is the Rh factor?

A third antigen that can be either present or absent.

What can cause anemia?

Insufficient number of erythrocytes or inability to bind oxygen.

What is polycythemia?

An abnormal excess of erythrocytes in the blood.

What is the purpose of a complete blood count (CBC)?

Provides a basic assessment of a patient’s overall health.

What additional measurement does CBC with differential provide?

Determines the percentage and absolute concentration of each class of leukocyte.

What are the normal distribution percentages of neutrophils in healthy adults?

50% - 70%.

What are the key components measured in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)?

Kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, blood glucose, and blood proteins.

What characterizes neutrophils?

They have a multi-lobed dark purple nucleus.

What characterizes eosinophils?

They have large bright-red granules and a lobed dark purple nucleus.

What are the characteristics of basophils?

They have large dark purple-blue granules and a lobed nucleus often hidden by granules.

What is the appearance of monocytes?

The largest leukocyte with a dark-staining C-shaped or kidney bean-shaped nucleus.

What characterizes lymphocytes?

The smallest leukocyte, with a large round dark-staining nucleus.

What differentiates Type A blood?

It has A antigen on RBCs and anti-B antibody in the plasma.

What differentiates Type B blood?

It has B antigen on RBCs and anti-A antibody in the plasma.

What is characteristic of Type AB blood?

It has both A and B antigens on RBCs, but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma.

What diseases stem from erythrocyte issues?

Pernicious anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemorrhagic anemia.

What effect does shear stress have on erythrocytes?

It can alter their ability to maintain hematocrit levels.

What is the purpose of a full lipid panel?

To assess an individual's risk of heart disease.

What enzyme type helps transport lipids in plasma?

Globulin proteins.

What is the total cholesterol level classifications?

Optimal

What is considered low HDL cholesterol?

Less than 40 mg/dL.

What is an effect of Rh incompatibility during pregnancy?

The mother's immune system may develop Rh+ antibodies.

Why is O- considered the universal donor?

It has neither A nor B antigens, minimizing reactions.

What can be determined by the distribution of WBCs in a CBC?

The type of infection a patient may have.

How do antibodies function in the immune system?

They are secreted by lymphocytes in response to foreign antigens.

What is the primary role of fibrinogen?

To form fibrin threads essential in blood hemostasis.