Basic Science lectures

Question 1

Sickle cell anemia

Answer 1

mutation in beta chain

Question 2

Thalassemia

Answer 2

defect in production of alpha or beta chain

Question 3

Hematocrit

Answer 3

% of RBCs in a known V of blood

Question 4

Reticulocytes

Answer 4

Baby RBCs; indicates where the anemia problem is originating (bone marrow)

Question 5

Mean RBC Volume

Answer 5

Average size of RBCs

Microcytosis, Macrocytosis

Question 6

Erythropoiesis

Answer 6

RBC development, from bone marrow to blood; under control of erythropoetin, a hormone produced in the kidney that sense O2 level in blood

Question 7

RBC lifespan

Answer 7

~120 days, 0.8% replaced daily

Question 8

Anemia

Answer 8

Upset in the balance of RBC production and destruction

Question 9

Causes of anemia

Answer 9

1. Lack of building blocks (iron, B12, folate)
2. Congenital abnormality
3. Abnormality in production site
4. Bleeding
5. Hemolysis
6. Chronic illness–> kidneys

Question 10

Signs of anemia

Answer 10

• Koilonichia, pitting of nails
• Pallor
• Smooth tongue
• Jaundice

Question 11

Diagnosis of anemia

Answer 11

Complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, mean red cell volume

Question 12

Microcytosis causes

Answer 12

Iron deficiency, thalassemia, chronic disease

Question 13

Macrocytosis causes

Answer 13

Vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, drugs - chemo

Question 14

Hemolysis

Answer 14

Increased breakdown of RBC, caused by extracorpuscular; RBC membrane; hemoglobin; enzyme defects

Question 15

The immune system

Answer 15

First line of defence - barriers (dynamic), second line of defence - innate immunity, third line of defence - adaptive immunity

Question 16

Antigen

Answer 16

Something that induces an immune response in something else

Question 17

Cytokines

Answer 17

Proteins released by cells that modulate the behaviour of other cells

Question 18

Chemokine

Answer 18

Protein released by cells that attract other cells to the area