Blood Anatomy & Physiology

These flashcards cover the essential concepts of blood anatomy and physiology, including its functions, composition, clotting factors, and related disorders.

What are the main functions of blood?

Delivery & transport of oxygen, nutrients, wastes, hormones; regulation of body temperature, pH, and fluid volume; protection through hemostasis and immunity.

What is the composition of blood?

Approximately 5 L of fluid connective tissue composed of formed elements (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and plasma.

What is plasma?

The complex fluid portion of blood that accounts for about 50% of total blood volume, consisting of around 90% water and 10% solutes.

What is the normal pH range of blood?

Normal pH range is 7.35 - 7.45; acidosis is pH < 7.35, and alkalosis is pH > 7.45.

What role does Albumin play in blood?

Albumin is the major plasma protein, crucial for maintaining blood pH, and it transports fatty acids, bilirubin, and steroids.

How much of the plasma is made up of proteins?

Plasma proteins make up about 8% by weight of plasma.

What are the blood clotting factors?

Factors include Fibrinogen, Prothrombin, Calcium ions, and various plasma proteins that are essential in clotting process.

What are the consequences of Hypernatremia?

Thirst, CNS dehydration leading to confusion and lethargy, increased neuromuscular irritability, twitching, and convulsions.

What are the leukocytes and their functions?

Leukocytes (WBCs) fight infections, destroy damaged or cancerous cells, and control the immune response.

What is Erythropoiesis?

Erythropoiesis is the formation of red blood cells, which occurs primarily in the red bone marrow.

What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by platelet deficiency, which can be caused by cancers, chemotherapy, or autoimmune diseases.

What is the significance of Erythropoietin (EP)?

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in clotting?

Intrinsic pathway is initiated by vessel injury and involves factors within the blood; extrinsic pathway is triggered by tissue damage and requires tissue factor.

What are the components of plasma?

Plasma consists of about 90% water and 10% solutes, including proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and waste products.

What is the role of fibrinogen in blood?

Fibrinogen is a plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during the clotting process, playing a crucial role in forming blood clots.

What are the two main types of leukocytes?

The two main types of leukocytes are granulocytes (which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and agranulocytes (which include lymphocytes and monocytes).

What is the process of hemostasis?

Hemostasis is the process of stopping bleeding, which involves vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation (clotting).

What is the lifespan of a red blood cell?

The average lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days before it is recycled or removed by the spleen and liver.

What causes hypochromic anemia?

Hypochromic anemia is often caused by iron deficiency, leading to reduced hemoglobin content in red blood cells.

What is the significance of leukopenia?

Leukopenia refers to a low white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infections and may indicate underlying health issues.

What are the common types of blood types?

The common blood types are A, B, AB, and O, which are determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

What is the role of thrombocytes (platelets) in the body?

Thrombocytes, or platelets, play a critical role in blood clotting by adhering to sites of vessel injury and aggregating to form a plug.

What can cause thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis is often caused by inflammation, infection, or certain cancers, leading to an increased platelet count.