Electrolytes and Plasma Proteins in Blood

What are electrolytes and their importance in the body?

Electrolytes are positively or negatively charged chemicals in the blood that are important for maintaining water volume through osmosis and supporting the functions of various organs.

What is the most abundant electrolyte in the blood?

Sodium (Na+), with a normal range of 135-145 mEq/L.

What are the normal potassium (K+) levels in the blood?

3.5-5 mEq/L.

What are the main types of plasma proteins and their percentages?

1) Albumin: 60% - creates osmotic pressure and buffers blood; 2) Globulin: 36% - involved in lipid transportation; 3) Fibrinogen and Prothrombin: involved in coagulation.

What is the function of albumin in the blood?

Albumin creates osmotic pressure to keep water in the blood and helps maintain blood pH.

What is the role of gamma globulins?

Gamma globulins are antibodies produced by B lymphocytes and are the only plasma proteins not produced in the liver.

What is hemostasis?

Hemostasis is the process of making blood clot to stop bleeding.

What are the three stages of hemostasis?

1) Vascular spasm - decreases bleeding; 2) Platelet plug formation - platelets aggregate to form a plug; 3) Blood clot formation - fibrin fibers strengthen the platelet plug.

What are procoagulants and anticoagulants?

Procoagulants are inactive substances like fibrinogen and prothrombin that promote clotting, while anticoagulants like t-PA (Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator) prevent clotting.

Where do most plasma proteins come from?

Most plasma proteins are produced in the liver.

What is the role of calcium and vitamin K in blood clotting?

Calcium and vitamin K are essential for the blood clotting process.

What happens when there is low albumin in the blood?

Low albumin can lead to edema due to decreased osmotic pressure.

What is the purpose of fibrin in blood clotting?

Fibrin forms fibers that deposit in the platelet plug to strengthen it.

What is the significance of platelet aggregation?

Platelet aggregation is crucial for forming a plug to stop bleeding during hemostasis.

How do anticoagulants function in the blood?

Anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting procoagulants.

What is the function of globulins in plasma?

Globulins play a role in lipid transportation and immune response.

What is the normal range for albumin in the plasma?

Albumin makes up about 60% of the plasma proteins.

What is the significance of osmotic pressure in the blood?

Osmotic pressure helps maintain the volume of blood and prevents fluid from leaking into tissues.

What is the role of the liver in plasma protein production?

The liver produces most plasma proteins, including albumin and globulins.

What is the function of prothrombin in coagulation?

Prothrombin is a precursor to thrombin, which is essential for converting fibrinogen to fibrin during clot formation.

What is the role of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA)?

t-PA is an anticoagulant that activates plasminogen to plasmin, helping to dissolve clots.

What can happen if hemostasis fails?

Failure of hemostasis can lead to excessive bleeding or thrombosis.