Ch 11.2B -- Erythrocytes -- VTPP 435

Ch 11.2B -- Erythrocytes -- VTPP 435

Polycythemia

-excess circulating RBCs with an elevated hematocrit
-2 types depending on causes

Primary Polycythemia

-tumor like condition of bone marrow that makes RBCs overproduce
-makes blood sluggish
-can raise BP

Secondary Polycythemia

-an adaptive mechanism when there's low O2
-usually happens at high altitudes

Relative Polycythemia

-RBC count is normal but plasma volume is smaller so hematocrit is higher

Antigen

-large complex molecule that triggers a specific immune response against itself when it gains entry into body
-found on surface of foreign cells
-used by white blood cells to distinguish

Antibody

-an immunoglobulin produced by specific activated B lymphocyte (plasma cell)
-binds with antigen and promotes its destructor

ABO System

system to categorize between presence and/or absence of A and/or B antigens on erythrocytes

Transfusion Reaction

-fatal
-antibody interaction with an erythrocyte bound antigen and so rupture or clumping of attacked RBCs may occur
-could cause kidney failure

Rh Factor

-makes people's blood Rh-Positive Blood
-its and erythrocyte antigen

Erythroblastosis Fetalis or Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

when an Rh(-) mom develops antibodies against the Rh(+) fetus
-fetal RBCs are destroyed and bone marrow can't replace