HSC Ch 7

These flashcards cover key concepts related to human diseases focusing on blood composition, diseases, disorders, and their treatments.

What are the main formed elements of blood?

Red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets.

What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

What are neutrophils responsible for?

They are phagocytic cells responsible for the non-specific immune response.

Which vitamin is essential for the synthesis of coagulation factors produced by the liver?

Vitamin K.

What is anemia?

An abnormally low number of red blood cells.

What does thrombocytopenia refer to?

A condition characterized by a decreased number of platelets in the blood.

What is Erythropoietin and what does it do?

A hormone released by renal cells that stimulates erythropoiesis when oxygen levels fall.

What is the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia?

A deficiency of iron.

What distinguishes Hemophilia A?

It is a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, and it is an X-linked recessive condition.

Describe Sickle Cell Anemia.

A genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal form of hemoglobin that can lead to hemolysis.

What are the four main categories of hereditary hemolytic anemia?

1. Abnormal hemoglobin (e.g., sickle cell anemia) 2. Abnormal shape (e.g., hereditary spherocytosis) 3. Abnormal hemoglobin synthesis (e.g., thalassemia) 4. Enzyme defects (e.g., G6PD deficiency).

How are platelets formed?

Platelets are small fragments of cytoplasm that break off from large cells called megakaryocytes.

What are the main types of white blood cells?

Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

What are the primary symptoms of anemia?

Symptoms due to hypoxia, which occurs from an abnormally low number of red blood cells.

What is the primary treatment for primary polycythemia?

Medication to suppress the overactive bone marrow.

What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?

A blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets caused by an autoimmune reaction.

What is the role of coagulation factors in hemostasis?

They are essential for the formation of blood clots and preventing excessive bleeding.