Blood (Lecture)

Blood

Represents about 8% of total body weight; sticky, opaque fluid with a metallic taste.

Oxygen-rich blood color

Scarlet.

Oxygen-poor blood color

Dark red.

Blood pH range

7.35–7.45.

Normal body temperature of blood

38°C, slightly higher than normal.

Average blood volume in women

Approximately 5 liters.

Average blood volume in men

Approximately 5.5 liters.

Plasma

Liquid portion of blood that consists of water, electrolytes, nutrients, waste, hormones, and plasma proteins.

Functions of plasma proteins

Exert osmotic effect, buffer pH changes, and transport substances.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting O2 and CO2.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that act as mobile defense units of the immune system.

Platelets

Cell fragments critical in hemostasis.

Nutrient transport in blood

Nutrients, wastes, gases, and hormones are transported.

Neutrophils

Engulf bacteria and debris.

Eosinophils

Attack parasitic worms and are involved in allergic reactions.

Basophils

Release histamine and heparin during allergic reactions.

Monocytes

Develop into tissue macrophages after migrating into tissues.

Lymphocytes

Include B lymphocytes which produce antibodies and T lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity.

RBC structure characteristics

Biconcave discs that provide a larger surface area for gas diffusion.

Hemoglobin (Hb) function

Carries O2 and can combine with CO2, H+, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to oxygen, appears bright red.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin without oxygen, appears dark red.

Carbaminohemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to carbon dioxide.

Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells from hemocytoblasts.

Aglutinogens

Glycoprotein antigens on RBC membranes that determine blood type.

ABO blood types

Classified based on the presence of A and B antigens.

Rh factor

Indicates the presence of Rh agglutinogens (Rh+) or absence (Rh-).

Thrombocytes

Another term for platelets; they are involved in blood clotting.

Hemostasis

Process that prevents blood loss from damaged vessels, involving vascular spasm and platelet plug formation.

Clotting cascade

A series of steps involving plasma clotting factors that lead to fibrin formation.

Thrombus

An abnormal clot attached to a vessel wall.

Embolus

A freely floating clot within the bloodstream.

Neutrophils role

First responders to bacterial infection and debris cleanup.

Eosinophils role

Combat parasites and respond to allergic reactions.

Basophils role

Release histamine and heparin in allergic reactions.

Monocytes role

Develop into macrophages that phagocytize debris.

Lymphocyte lifespan

About 100 to 300 days.

B lymphocytes

Produce antibodies responsible for humoral immunity.

T lymphocytes

Destroy infected or cancerous cells through cell-mediated immunity.

White blood cell (WBC) concentration

Approximately 7,000 WBC per mm³ of blood.

Erythrocyte count

About 5 million RBCs per mm³ of blood.

Platelet count

Approximately 250,000 platelets per mm³ of blood.

Plasma proteins roles

Transport substances, buffer pH, and exert osmotic pressure.

Hemoglobin percentage in erythrocytes

More than 97% (discounting water content).

ADP in hemostasis

Adenosine diphosphate that activates platelet aggregation.

Thrombopoietin

Hormone that increases platelet production.

Intrinsic pathway of clot formation

Initiated by contact with exposed collagen.

Extrinsic pathway of clot formation

Involves tissue factors external to blood.

RBC antigen types

30 varieties of naturally occurring RBC antigens are known.

Human blood groups

Classified mainly by ABO and Rh factors, which determine compatibility.

ABO blood plasma antibodies

Anti-A or Anti-B antibodies are present depending on blood type.

Macrophages

Mature monocytes that effectively phagocytize pathogens.

Immune system function

Identifies and neutralizes foreign materials.

Function of leukocytes

Defend against pathogens, identify and destroy cancer cells, clear debris.

Differential WBC count

Percentage distribution of different types of leukocytes.

Blood flow in hemostasis

Reduces through vessel spasming during injury.

Clot formation process

Reinforces platelet plug, converts blood into a gel.

Fibrinogen

Inactive precursor that converts to fibrin during clot formation.

Hemophilia

Excessive bleeding due to deficiencies in clotting factors.

Thromboembolism causes

Roughened vessel surfaces, slow-moving blood, and clotting imbalances.

Blood type compatibility

Blood type must be compatible for safe transfusions.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Sickle cell disease

A genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin, causing misshapen red blood cells.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects white blood cells and bone marrow.

Plasma exchange

A medical procedure to remove and replace plasma from the blood.

Iron deficiency

A common cause of anemia caused by a lack of iron in the diet or malabsorption.

Coagulation factors

Proteins that work together to form blood clots and stop bleeding.

Blood donation

The voluntary procedure of giving blood for transfusions or medical use.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction that can lead to shock and is life-threatening.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets.