Hematology Concepts Review

Quiz 10.2 Notes

Question 1: Definition of Hemopoiesis

  • Hemopoiesis:

    • The formation of blood cells.

    • Occurs in red bone marrow.

    • Is essential for the production of blood.

Question 11: Location of Hemoglobin

  • Hemoglobin Molecules:

    • Located within the cytosol (the internal fluid) of erythrocytes (red blood cells).

    • These molecules are essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Question 12: Quantity of Hemoglobin in RBC

  • Number of Hemoglobin Molecules in a RBC:

    • A single healthy red blood cell contains approximately 280 million hemoglobin molecules.

Question 13: Definition and Example of Phagocyte

  • Phagocyte:

    • A specialized type of white blood cell that protects the body by ingesting (engulfing) and destroying harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.

    • The term derives from the Greek words:

    • phagein (to eat)

    • kytos (cell)

    • The process used by phagocytes to engulf and digest substances is called phagocytosis.

  • Examples of Phagocytes:

    • Neutrophils

    • Macrophages

    • Monocytes

Question 14: Definition of Basophil

  • Basophil:

    • A type of white blood cell involved with allergic reactions.

    • It is the least common type of granulocyte, comprising less than 1% of the total leukocyte count.

    • Function: Plays a critical role in the immune response, particularly in inflammation and allergic reactions.

    • Key characteristics:

    • Releases histamine (a compound involved in allergic responses)

    • Releases heparin (an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting)

    • Important in inflammation & allergic responses.

Question 15: Definition of Thrombopoietin

  • Thrombopoietin (TPO):

    • A glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the liver (and to a lesser extent by the kidneys).

    • Function: Regulates the production of platelets.

    • Mechanism: Stimulates the development of megakaryoblasts, which are precursors to platelets.

Question 16: Definition of Prothrombinase

  • Prothrombinase:

    • A crucial enzyme complex formed during the middle stage of blood clotting (coagulation).

    • Function: Acts as the "bridge" between the initial signaling of an injury and the actual formation of a physical clot.

    • Chemical Role: Converts prothrombin to thrombin, which is essential for blood clotting.

    • Pathways: Involves both the intrinsic pathway and extrinsic pathway of coagulation.

Question 17: Maternal Antibodies and Fetal Blood Cells

  • Maternal Antibodies Attacking Fetal Blood Cells:

    1. The mother is Rh-negative ($Rh^-$): Her red blood cells lack the Rh antigen.

    2. The fetus is Rh-positive ($Rh^+$): The fetus possesses the Rh antigen inherited from the father.

  • Mechanism: Maternal antibodies will attack fetal blood cells if the fetus is Rh-positive due to the incompatibility between the maternal Rh-negative type and fetal Rh-positive type.

Question 18: Consequences of Receiving Wrong Blood Type

  • Observations in Wrong Blood Type Transfusion:

    • Agglutination: Clumping of red blood cells (RBCs).

    • Hemolysis: Rupture of red blood cells.

    • Possible Symptoms:

    • Fever

    • Chills

    • Low blood pressure (BP)

    • Kidney failure

    • Shock

    • Note: This question refers to chapter #19 of the textbook, pages 718-720.