Blood Characteristics and Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and functions related to blood characteristics, composition, and the roles of blood cells.

What is the average volume of blood in adult women and men?

Adult women have about 4.5 liters and adult men have about 5 liters of blood.

What is the normal pH range of blood?

The normal pH of blood is ~7.4, or between 7.35-7.45.

What is the average temperature of blood?

The average temperature of blood is 100.4°F.

What are the primary functions of blood?

Blood carries O2, nutrients, ions, enzymes, hormones, and buffers; removes CO2, wastes, and toxins; regulates body temperature; and transports white blood cells and antibodies.

What components make up the blood composition?

Blood consists of plasma (55%) and formed elements (45%), which include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What is the composition of plasma proteins?

Plasma proteins include albumins (60%), globulins (35%), and fibrinogen (4%), along with regulatory proteins (<1%).

What are the two main components of formed elements in blood?

Red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs).

What is erythropoiesis?

Erythropoiesis is the formation of red blood cells (RBCs).

How long do red blood cells typically live?

Red blood cells have a life span of around 120 days.

What is the primary role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Hemoglobin transports O2 from the lungs to tissues and some CO2 from tissues to the lungs.

What are the two major classes of white blood cells?

Granulocytes (such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and agranulocytes (monocytes and lymphocytes).

What is the lifespan of lymphocytes compared to red blood cells?

Lymphocytes have a relatively long lifespan of around 4 years, while RBCs live for about 120 days.

What is chemotaxis in the context of white blood cells?

Chemotaxis is the movement of white blood cells out of the blood vessels toward the chemicals released by infected cells.

What is diapedesis?

Diapedesis is the process by which white blood cells leave capillaries to reach infection sites.

What are platelets and their primary function?

Platelets are fragments of megakaryocytes involved in hemostasis and blood clotting.

What stimulates thrombopoiesis?

Thrombopoiesis is stimulated by the hormone thrombopoietin.

Where does hematopoiesis occur?

Hematopoiesis occurs in the red bone marrow.

What is the average hematocrit for women and men?

Women: average 42%, range 37-47%; Men: average 45%, range 40-54%.

What role do macrophages play in the immune system?

Macrophages are derived from monocytes and act as the first line of defense by engulfing pathogens and releasing chemicals to attract more immune cells.

What are immunoglobulins?

Immunoglobulins are antibodies that are part of the immune system and interact with pathogens.