Blood Components and Function

Flashcards covering the functions and composition of blood, red blood cells, erythropoietin, blood groups, and the stages of blood clotting.

Blood Functions

Transport, Regulation of Interstitial Fluid (IF), Sealing broken vessels, Defense, Heat distribution

Composition of Plasma

Water (90%), Plasma proteins (7%), Wastes, Gases, Nutrients, Salts, Hormones, Drugs.

Red Blood Cells

Contain hemoglobin and are shaped to suit function

Hemoglobin

Molecule within red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone released by kidneys and liver in response to low blood oxygen, stimulating RBC production

Erythrocyte Lifespan

Approximately 120 days; old RBCs are broken down by macrophages, and components are recycled

Blood Groups

Categorized by antigens on red cell surface and antibodies in plasma (e.g., A, B, AB, O)

Blood Group A

Has A antigens, Anti-B antibodies, Can give to A, AB, Can receive from A, O

Blood Group B

Has B antigens, Anti-A antibodies, Can give to B, AB, Can receive from B, O

Blood Group O

Has neither A nor B antigens, Both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, Can give to O, A, B and AB, Can receive from O

Blood Group AB

Has A and B antigens, Neither A nor B antibodies, Can give to AB, Can receive from O, A, B and AB

Vascular Phase (Clotting)

Vascular spasm narrows vessel; Release of multiple chemicals to promote clotting and repair

Platelet Phase (Clotting)

Platelets adhere and aggregate; Platelet plug formed

Coagulation Phase (Clotting)

Produces fibrin (basis of clot); Two pathways: intrinsic and extrinsic

Fibrin

The protein that forms the basis of a blood clot.

Intrinsic Pathway

Clotting pathway activated by factors within the blood itself, usually Factor XII

Extrinsic Pathway

Clotting pathway initiated by tissue factor released from damaged cells

White blood cells

Help fight infection in the body

Phagocytosis

Process by which cells engulf and digest particles or cells