RBCS & WBC
Page 1: Introduction
Human PHYSIOLOGY
Dr. Maryam Mosad Elmasry
Lecturer of Physiology 1
Page 2: Chapter Overview
Topic: BLOOD PHYSIOLOGY
Page 3: Blood Composition
Total Blood Volume Composition:
Plasma: 55%
WBC & Platelets: <1%
RBC: 45%
Fluid Part - Plasma: 90% Water, 10% solids
RBC: 6-8%
Plasma Proteins ~7%
WBC: ~2%
Nutrients, waste products, dissolved gases, hormones: <1%
Minerals: Na+, K+, HCO3-
Page 4: Functions of Blood
Transport Function:
Carries O2 from lungs to tissues; CO2 from tissues to lungs.
Transports absorbed substances from GIT to liver and tissues.
Carries waste products to kidneys for excretion.
Transports hormones to target tissues to regulate cell function.
Page 5: Additional Functions of Blood
Hemostatic Function: Clots to seal blood vessel injuries.
Defensive Function:
Forms antibodies against pathogens.
WBCs attack invading organisms.
Regulation: Helps maintain body temperature.
Page 6: The Plasma
Description: A clear fluid, about 55% of blood volume.
Composition:
90% Water
10% Solids (Plasma Proteins, Organic & Inorganic substances)
Key Plasma Proteins:
Albumin: 4.5 - 5.5 g/dl
Globulin: 2.5 – 3 g/dl
Fibrinogen: 0.3 – 1 g/dl
Prothrombin: 0.01 – 0.05 g/dl
Others: Urea, uric acid, creatinine, glucose, amino acids, cholesterol.
Page 7: Functions of Plasma Proteins
Colloid Osmotic Pressure: Maintains fluid exchange between blood and tissues.
Immune Function: Gamma Globulin forms antibodies.
Arterial Blood Pressure: Contributes to viscosity via Fibrinogen, maintaining peripheral resistance.
Clotting: Vital in blood clot formation (Clotting Factors).
Protein Reserve: Acts as an energy source during starvation.
Page 8: Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Definition: Also known as Erythrocytes.
Characteristics: Most abundant cells, red color due to hemoglobin.
Lifespan: Average 120 days in circulation.
Page 9: RBC Composition
Contains 60% Water
Chief Cation: K+
Anions: Cl-, HCO3-, phosphate, Hb.
Page 10: Normal RBC Count
Adults:
Females: 4 - 5 million/mm3
Males: 5 - 6 million/mm3
Page 11: Hemoglobin (Hb)
Definition: Red pigment in RBC, binds O2.
Structure: Globin (4 polypeptide chains) + Heme (4 iron groups).
Function: Each hemoglobin can pick up to 4 O2 molecules.
Normal Hb Level: ~15 g/dL
Page 12: Erythropoiesis (RBC Formation)
Process: Pluripotent stem cells differentiate into Proerythroblasts, which become Erythrocytes.
Site of Formation:
Liver and spleen during early embryonic life.
Bone marrow after 6 months of pregnancy.
Exclusively in flat bones after age 20.
Regulation: Feedback control dependent on RBC levels.
Page 13: Regulation of Erythropoiesis
Oxygenation: Main regulator of RBC production, stimulated by Erythropoietin (secreted by kidneys & liver).
Stimuli for Erythropoietin:
Hypoxia (e.g., anemia, hemorrhage, lung disease, high altitudes).
Page 14: Dietary Substances for Erythropoiesis
Essential Nutrients:
Proteins: High biological value essential for Hb synthesis.
Iron: Important for hemoglobin formation (4-5gms in the body).
Vitamins: B12, Folic acid for DNA synthesis.
Absorption Factors: Gastric HCI, Vitamin C increase absorption; Phytates, oxalates decrease absorption.
Page 15: Anemia
Definition: Decrease in RBC count or Hb concentration (<11g/dL).
Causes: Rapid loss or slow production of RBCs.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, increased heart workload, dizziness, decreased oxygenation.
Page 16: Anemia Classification by Cause
Aplastic Anemia: Bone marrow fails to produce RBCs.
Deficiency Anemia: Iron, Vitamin B12, or Folic acid deficiencies.
Hemorrhagic Anemia: Blood loss due to various factors.
Hemolytic Anemia: Excessive destruction of RBCs.
Renal Anemia: Defective erythropoietin secretion.
Page 17: Anemia: Continued Classification
Aplastic Anemia: Failure to produce adequate RBCs.
Hemorrhagic Anemia: Excessive blood loss from trauma, ulcers, etc.
Hemolytic Anemia: Metabolic defects resulting in RBC rupture.
Page 18: Anemia Based on Cell Size and Hb Content
Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia: Small RBCs, low Hb content (e.g., Iron deficiency).
Macrocytic Hypochromic Anemia: Large RBCs, low Hb content (e.g., B12 or folic acid deficiency).
Normocytic Normochromic Anemia: Normal size and hemoglobin content but lower total counts (e.g., acute hemorrhage).
Page 19: Blood Groups
ABO System: Classification based on A and B antigens on RBCs.
Antigen Presence:
Type A: A antigen, Anti-B antibodies in plasma.
Type B: B antigen, Anti-A antibodies in plasma.
Type AB: Both antigens, no antibodies.
Type O: No antigens, Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies.
Page 20: Blood Type Reactions
Type A Blood: No agglutination with type A donor.
Type B Blood: Agglutination occurs with respective antigens.
Rh factor: 85% Rh positive, 15% Rh negative.
Page 21: Erythroblastosis Fetalis
Caused by Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus.
Consequences: Hemolytic anemia in fetus; may result in severe conditions like jaundice or death.
Prevention: Anti-Rh antibodies for Rh-negative mothers post-delivery.
Page 22: Blood Transfusion
Indications:
Severe trauma or surgical hemorrhage.
Severe anemia.
Erythroblastosis fetalis.
Page 23: Blood Transfusion Compatibility
Blood Typing: Donor and recipient blood must be compatible (ABO and Rh).
Cross-Matching: Testing for compatibility before transfusion.
Precautions: Ensure healthy donors, blood storage at 4° C, and within 5 weeks of collection.
Page 24: Dangers of Blood Transfusion
Risks include hemolytic reactions, mechanical overload, and hyperkalemia.
Potential transmission of diseases (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis).
Bacterial contamination can lead to shock.
Page 25: White Blood Cells (WBCs)
Definition: Mobile units of the body's immune system.
Count: 4000-11000/mm3
General Functions:
Engulf pathogens.
Initiate immune response.
Remove dead or injured cells.
Destroy cancer cells.
Page 26: White Blood Cell Types
Granulocytes: Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils.
Agranulocytes: Monocytes, Lymphocytes.
Formation: All made in the bone marrow except lymphocytes (in lymphoid tissues).
Page 27: Conclusion
Thank you!