Hematology Lecture Part 1

Hematology Part 1

• Instructor: Dr. Chavez

Objective # 1-A: Functions and Characteristics of Blood

• Functions of Blood:

  • Regulation of pH and ions.

  • Restriction of fluid loss at injury sites.

  • Defense against pathogens and toxins.

  • Transport materials to/from cells:

    • Oxygen and carbon dioxide.

    • Nutrients (glucose / amino acids).

    • Hormones.

    • Immune system components (WBCs / antibodies).

    • Waste products (bilirubin, urea, etc.).

• Characteristics of Blood:

  • Normal temperature: 38°C (100.4°F).

  • High viscosity (thickness).

  • Slightly alkaline pH: 7.35–7.45.

  • Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-) Buffer System: crucial for pH regulation.

Importance of Blood Plasma

• Comprises 55% of blood; consists of:

  • Water (91%).

  • Proteins (7%): Include albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen.

  • Other solutes (2%): ions, nutrients, waste products.

• Major Plasma Proteins:

  • Albumins (58%): Maintain osmotic pressure, transport fatty acids and hormones.

  • Globulins (38%): Transport proteins and immune functions (antibodies).

  • Fibrinogen (4%): Essential for blood clotting.

pH Regulation of Blood

• pH normal range: 7.35 to 7.45.

• Abnormal fluctuations can damage cells/tissues.

  • Acidosis: low pH (below 7.35); may lead to coma.

  • Alkalosis: high pH (above 7.45); triggers muscle contractions.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

• Functionality:

  • Increase H+ concentration during alkalosis.

  • Decrease H+ concentration during acidosis.

• Reaction: CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3

Formed Elements of Blood

• Comprise 37-54% of blood:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): transport oxygen to tissues.

  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): part of immune defense.

  • Platelets: cell fragments important for clotting.

Blood Cell Types and Their Functions

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs)/Erythrocytes:

  • Function: carry hemoglobin to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Structure: disc-shaped, lack nuclei and organelles.

• White Blood Cells (WBCs)/Leukocytes:

  • Function: immune response components.

  • Types: Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils.

• Platelets (Thrombocytes):

  • Function: involved in blood clotting.

Blood Composition Summary

• Sample composition:

  • Plasma: 55% (46-63%).

  • Formed elements: 45% (37-54%).

• Plasma Proteins:

  • Albumin: 60% of proteins, maintains osmotic pressure.

  • Globulins: 35% of proteins, function in immune response.

  • Fibrinogen: 4% of proteins, facilitates clotting.

Erythrocyte Development and Hemoglobin Function

• Erythropoiesis occurs only in red bone marrow.

• Hemoglobin structure:

  • Comprised of four globin chains (2 alpha, 2 beta).

  • Each hemoglobin can bind four oxygen molecules.

  • Functions as both oxygen and carbon dioxide transporter.

• Breaks down into bilirubin upon recycling the red blood cells after their lifespan (~120 days).

Rh Factor and Blood Type Compatibility

• ABO Blood Group System:

  • Types: A, B, AB, O. Universal donor: O-; universal recipient: AB+.

• Antibodies versus Antigens:

  • Antibodies: against foreign antigens; self, recognized by the immune system.

• Rh Factor:

  • Present in Rh+ individuals; crucial for pregnancy compatibility.

  • Rh incompatibility can pose risks in pregnancy (e.g., hemolytic disease of the newborn).

Sickle Cell Anemia and Implications

• Caused by mutation in the hemoglobin beta chain (HbS) leading to sickling of red blood cells.

• Sickle cells block blood flow, leading to pain and potential organ damage.

• Factors triggering crises include low oxygen levels, dehydration, and infections.

Hematology Part 1 Instructor: Dr. Chavez

Objective # 1-A: Functions and Characteristics of Blood

Functions of Blood:

• Regulation of pH and ions: Blood helps maintain a stable pH and ion concentration in the body, which is crucial for all cellular processes.

• Restriction of fluid loss at injury sites: Blood forms clots to seal damaged blood vessels, preventing excessive blood loss.

• Defense against pathogens and toxins: Blood contains white blood cells that identify and neutralize harmful substances and infections.

• Transport materials to/from cells:

  • Oxygen and carbon dioxide: Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to cells and carry carbon dioxide back.

  • Nutrients (glucose / amino acids): Transported from the digestive tract to cells for energy and repair.

  • Hormones: Chemical messengers released by glands are transported to target organs or tissues.

  • Immune system components (WBCs / antibodies): Essential for the body's defense mechanisms.

  • Waste products (bilirubin, urea, etc.): Metabolic waste products are transported to the kidneys and liver for elimination.

Characteristics of Blood:

• Normal temperature: 38°C (100.4°F).

• High viscosity (thickness): Blood is thicker than water due to the cells and proteins it contains.

• Slightly alkaline pH: Ranges from 7.35–7.45, reflecting its slightly basic nature.

• Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-) Buffer System: This system is crucial for the regulation of blood pH, neutralizing acids and bases.

Importance of Blood Plasma

• Comprises 55% of blood; consists of:

  • Water (91%): Serves as a solvent for carrying other substances.

  • Proteins (7%): Include albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen, which have various roles in maintaining blood pressure, immune function, and clotting.

  • Other solutes (2%): Includes ions, nutrients, waste products.

Major Plasma Proteins:

1. Albumins (58%): Maintains osmotic pressure and transports fatty acids and hormones.

2. Globulins (38%): Serve as transport proteins and function in immune mechanisms (antibodies).

3. Fibrinogen (4%): Essential for blood clotting, forming fibrin strands that create a mesh to stabilize clots.

pH Regulation of Blood

• pH normal range: 7.35 to 7.45. Abnormal fluctuations can lead to cell and tissue damage.

  • Acidosis: Low pH (below 7.35); can lead to coma or death.

  • Alkalosis: High pH (above 7.45); can trigger muscle contractions and spasms.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

• Functionality:

  • Increase H+ concentration during alkalosis to lower pH.

  • Decrease H+ concentration during acidosis to raise pH.

  • Reaction: CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3

Formed Elements of Blood

• Comprise 37-54% of blood:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen to tissues and carbon dioxide away.

  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): Components of the immune system that protect against disease.

  • Platelets: Cell fragments important for initiating blood clotting.

Blood Cell Types and Their Functions

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs)/Erythrocytes:

  • Function: Carry hemoglobin, which transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Structure: Disc-shaped, lack nuclei and organelles to maximize space for hemoglobin.

• White Blood Cells (WBCs)/Leukocytes:

  • Function: Facilitate immune responses.

  • Types: Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils.

• Platelets (Thrombocytes):

  • Function: Vital for blood clotting to prevent bleeding.

Blood Composition Summary

• Sample composition:

  • Plasma: 55% (46-63%).

  • Formed elements: 45% (37-54%).

  • Plasma Proteins:

    • Albumin: 60% of proteins, maintains osmotic pressure and water balance.

    • Globulins: 35% of proteins, play roles in immune response.

    • Fibrinogen: 4% of proteins, pivotal for clotting process.

Erythrocyte Development and Hemoglobin Function

• Erythropoiesis occurs only in red bone marrow, where RBCs are produced.

• Hemoglobin structure:

  • Comprised of four globin chains (2 alpha, 2 beta).

  • Each hemoglobin molecule can bind four oxygen molecules to assist in transport.

  • Functions as a transporter of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Recycling: Breaks down into bilirubin upon recycling after ~120 days lifespan of RBCs.

Rh Factor and Blood Type Compatibility

• ABO Blood Group System:

  • Types: A, B, AB, O. Universal donor: O-; universal recipient: AB+.

• Antibodies versus Antigens:

  • Antibodies are produced against foreign antigens that are not recognized by the immune system.

• Rh Factor:

  • Present in Rh+ individuals; critical for pregnancy compatibility. Incompatibility can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Sickle Cell Anemia and Implications

• Caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin beta chain (HbS) leading to sickling of red blood cells.

• Impacts: Sickle cells can obstruct blood flow, resulting in pain and potential organ damage.

• Triggers for crises: Low oxygen levels, dehydration, and infections.

Note: Replace the placeholder URLs above with actual links to relevant images you wish to include in your notes for better understanding and enhanced learning.

Hematology Part 1 Instructor: Dr. Chavez

Objective # 1-A: Functions and Characteristics of Blood

Functions of Blood:

• Regulation of pH and ions: Blood helps maintain a stable pH and ion concentration in the body, which is crucial for all cellular processes.

• Restriction of fluid loss at injury sites: Blood forms clots to seal damaged blood vessels, preventing excessive blood loss.

• Defense against pathogens and toxins: Blood contains white blood cells that identify and neutralize harmful substances and infections.

• Transport materials to/from cells:

  • Oxygen and carbon dioxide: Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to cells and carry carbon dioxide back.

  • Nutrients (glucose / amino acids): Transported from the digestive tract to cells for energy and repair.

  • Hormones: Chemical messengers released by glands are transported to target organs or tissues.

  • Immune system components (WBCs / antibodies): Essential for the body's defense mechanisms.

  • Waste products (bilirubin, urea, etc.): Metabolic waste products are transported to the kidneys and liver for elimination.

Characteristics of Blood:

• Normal temperature: 38°C (100.4°F).

• High viscosity (thickness): Blood is thicker than water due to the cells and proteins it contains.

• Slightly alkaline pH: Ranges from 7.35–7.45, reflecting its slightly basic nature.

• Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-) Buffer System: This system is crucial for the regulation of blood pH, neutralizing acids and bases.

Importance of Blood Plasma

• Comprises 55% of blood; consists of:

  • Water (91%): Serves as a solvent for carrying other substances.

  • Proteins (7%): Include albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen, which have various roles in maintaining blood pressure, immune function, and clotting.

  • Other solutes (2%): Includes ions, nutrients, waste products.

Major Plasma Proteins:

1. Albumins (58%): Maintains osmotic pressure and transports fatty acids and hormones.

2. Globulins (38%): Serve as transport proteins and function in immune mechanisms (antibodies).

3. Fibrinogen (4%): Essential for blood clotting, forming fibrin strands that create a mesh to stabilize clots.

pH Regulation of Blood

• pH normal range: 7.35 to 7.45. Abnormal fluctuations can lead to cell and tissue damage.

  • Acidosis: Low pH (below 7.35); can lead to coma or death.

  • Alkalosis: High pH (above 7.45); can trigger muscle contractions and spasms.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

• Functionality:

  • Increase H+ concentration during alkalosis to lower pH.

  • Decrease H+ concentration during acidosis to raise pH.

  • Reaction: CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3

Formed Elements of Blood

• Comprise 37-54% of blood:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen to tissues and carbon dioxide away.

  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): Components of the immune system that protect against disease.

  • Platelets: Cell fragments important for initiating blood clotting.

Blood Cell Types and Their Functions

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs)/Erythrocytes:

  • Function: Carry hemoglobin, which transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Structure: Disc-shaped, lack nuclei and organelles to maximize space for hemoglobin.

• White Blood Cells (WBCs)/Leukocytes:

  • Function: Facilitate immune responses.

  • Types: Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils.

• Platelets (Thrombocytes):

  • Function: Vital for blood clotting to prevent bleeding.

Blood Composition Summary

• Sample composition:

  • Plasma: 55% (46-63%).

  • Formed elements: 45% (37-54%).

  • Plasma Proteins:

    • Albumin: 60% of proteins, maintains osmotic pressure and water balance.

    • Globulins: 35% of proteins, play roles in immune response.

    • Fibrinogen: 4% of proteins, pivotal for clotting process.

Erythrocyte Development and Hemoglobin Function

• Erythropoiesis occurs only in red bone marrow, where RBCs are produced.

• Hemoglobin structure:

  • Comprised of four globin chains (2 alpha, 2 beta).

  • Each hemoglobin molecule can bind four oxygen molecules to assist in transport.

  • Functions as a transporter of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Recycling: Breaks down into bilirubin upon recycling after ~120 days lifespan of RBCs.

Rh Factor and Blood Type Compatibility

• ABO Blood Group System:

  • Types: A, B, AB, O. Universal donor: O-; universal recipient: AB+.

• Antibodies versus Antigens:

  • Antibodies are produced against foreign antigens that are not recognized by the immune system.

• Rh Factor:

  • Present in Rh+ individuals; critical for pregnancy compatibility. Incompatibility can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Sickle Cell Anemia and Implications

• Caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin beta chain (HbS) leading to sickling of red blood cells.

• Impacts: Sickle cells can obstruct blood flow, resulting in pain and potential organ damage.

• Triggers for crises: Low oxygen levels, dehydration, and infections.

Note: Replace the placeholder URLs above with actual links to relevant images you wish to include in your notes for better understanding and enhanced learning.