Blood Flashcards
This flashcard deck was created using Flashcardlet's card creator
Describe the 3 main components of blood. what is hematocrit and how is it determined? What are the normal female and male values?
Plasma, erythrocytes and buffy coat; Hematocrit is the % of the red blood cells in one’s blood; Females - 38% - 46%, males 42% - 56%
What are the functions of blood?
- Transportation (O2, CO2 and nutrients)
- Regulation (temperature, Ph level, total body fluid volume)
- Protection (immune response, white blood cells)
What are the components of plasma? What protein is found in highest concentration in blood plasma?
Water, proteins and other solutes; Albumins are the most common protein found in plasma
How are red blood cells different from “normal” cells?
Mature red blood cells lack nuclei and other organelles.
Why do red blood cells have a biconcave shape?
It increases surface area
What molecule inside red blood cells allows them to carry O2 and CO2?
Hemoglobin
What is the structure of hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin consists of four globin protein molecules.
What is erythropoesis and where does it occur?
The processes of erythrocyte (red blood cell) production; made in red bone marrow
Where do red blood cells go to die?
The spleen and liver
Where is recycled iron stored?
Liver
How long are red blood cells in the blood stream? Why don’t they last longer?
120 days; no organelles to repair them
What is bilirubin?
A component of a digestive secretion called bile, which is produced by liver cells. Made from broken down heme.
What are the function of white blood cells?
They help initiate an immune response and defend the body against pathogens.
Define chemotaxis and diapedesis as they relate to white blood cells.
Chemotaxis: follows chemicals to move
Diapedesis: leaves the blood vessels to the intercellular fluid
Describe Neutorphils.
Granulocytes, make up 65% of white blood cells, increase in number during infections, use phagocytosis.