LAB VALUES Flashcards
(113 cards)
vital connection of blood to cells, tissues, and organs; maintains constant environment for cell activity
The circulatory system
Functions of the blood
Transportation of gases, nutrients, waste products, hormones
Defense against infection/ carry cells and antibodies
Regulate body temperature
Form blood clots (platelets) to prevent excess blood loss
Maintenance of body fluid (pH)
Plasma (55% of blood)
Liquid component of blood
Mixture of water, sugar, fat, proteins, salts
Helps maintain body’s fluid balance
RBC (erythrocytes)
Most abundant cell in blood; produced in bone marrow
Donut-shaped
120-day lifespan
Contains hemoglobin for O2 transport
3.9-5 female, 4.3-5.6 male
WBC (leukocytes)
About 1% of total blood
Main role is fighting infection (neutrophils and lymphocytes)
Platelets (thrombocytes)
Small fragments of cells
Assist with coagulation/blood clotting by sticking together
Destroyed by liver in 8 days
157-371 female, 135-317 male
thrombocytopenia..
Too few platlets
thrombocytosis..
Too many platlets
pH < 6.8
acidosis (more hydrogen ions)
pH > 7.8
alkalosis (less hydrogen ions)
Water pH
7.0 pH (equal amounts)
Human blood pH
7.34 to 7.44 (slightly alkaline)
Both acidosis and alkalosis can lead to ..
serious illness and eventual death unless a proper balance is restored.
Blood plasma has
chemical compounds called buffers to neutralize pH
RBC’s primary role
carry oxygen to cells and tissues
RBC’s formed in
bone marrow
Production of RBC’s
erythropoiesis (life span = 120 days)
Anemia is..
too few RBC’s or low hemoglobin
Oxygen is picked up by a protein in RBC called
Hemoglobin
Too many RBC’s (high Hgb)..
Polycythemia
RBC’s are destroyed by the..
liver, part of Hgb is converted to bilirubin, excreted as bile
When excessive amounts of Hgb are broken down or biliary excretion is decreased by liver disease or biliary obstruction
plasma bilirubin rises
Rise in plasma bilirubin results in
Jaundice
% of blood volume containing RBCs (normally about 45%, 35-44 female, 38-48 male)
Hematocrit