Physiology Lecture 25 - Red and White Blood Cells

what are the two main causes of anemia?

impaired RBC production and increased RBC destruction

what are the three types of anemia that occur due to impaired RBC production?

iron-deficiency anemia, renal anemia, aplastic anemia

what is iron-defiency anemia caused by?

inadequate consumption of iron leads to small fragile RBCs

what is renal anemia caused by?

from kidney failure because EPO is produced in the kidney

what is aplastic anemia caused by?

radiation/chemo, bone marrow cells are destroyed

what is a type of anemia that is caused by increased RBC destruction?

sickle cell anemia

what is sickle cell anemia caused by?

caused by a mutation in a single amino acid of beta globin

what does sickle cell anemia cause?

stiff “rods” in RBCs, deformed RBCs rupture easily and dam up capillaries

what is polycythemia?

too many RBCs, bone marrow cancer, less oxygen more EPO

what are leukocytes (white blood cells)

immune cells

what are leukocytes produced by?

hematopoiesis

how do leukocytes enter tissues?

enter tissue from blood circulation

what are the two categories of leukocytes?

granulocytes and agranulocytes

what are granulocytes?

visible granules

what are three types of granulocytes?

neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils

what are agranulocytes?

no visible granules

what are two types of agranulocytes?

lymphocytes and monocytes

what are neutrophils?

aggressive bacteria slayers, granules contain hydrolytic enzymes and anti-microbial proteins

what do neutrophils secrete?

“bleach” and “hydrogen peroxide”

what are eosinophils?

defend against parasitic worms, may play role in allergy and asthma

what are basophils?

contain histamines, leaky blood vessels, play a role in allergies

how do basophils play a role in allergies?

anaphylaxis

what are some symptoms of anaphylaxis?

low blood pressure, fluid builds up, swelling, less blood volume, can’t breathe

how is anaphylaxis treated?

with an epi-pen that releases epinephrine which makes blood vessels constrict, increase blood pressure and opens airways