Lecture 9 Flashcards
What are the main components of normal blood?
Plasma and formed elements
Formed elements include erythrocytes (RBCs), leukocytes (WBCs), and thrombocytes (platelets)
What is the primary composition of plasma?
90% water and 10% plasma proteins, inorganic salts, gases, transported substances
What are the formed elements found in blood?
Erythrocytes (RBCs), leukocytes (WBCs), thrombocytes (platelets)
Each type of formed element has distinct functions in the body
Where do formed elements originate from?
- Bone marrow
- Hemocytoblasts (stem cells found in bone marrow)
What are erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes are red blood cells.
Do erythrocytes have nuclei?
No, erythrocytes do not have nuclei.
What is the shape of erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes are biconcave discs containing hemoglobin.
What is the primary function of erythrocytes?
The primary function of erythrocytes is to transport O2 to cells and CO2 away from cells via hemoglobin
What is anemia?
Reduction of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, or number of red blood cells.
Oxygen carrying capacity decreases.
What are the signs and symptoms of anemia? (15)
Pale or yellowish thin skin & mucosa, weakness, malaise, fatigue, dyspnea on slight exertion, headache, vertigo, tinnitus, vision dimness, seeing spots, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, dizziness or lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain.
What are the main causes of anemia?
Blood loss, diminished RBC production, hemolysis, and genetic blood disorders.
What types of blood loss can cause anemia?
Acute and chronic blood loss, with chronic leading to iron deficiency anemia.
What are the two causes of decreased red blood cell production?
Nutritional deficiency and bone marrow failure
What nutritional deficiencies can lead to anemia?
Pernicious anemia (B12) and iron deficiency anemia (e.g., during pregnancy or growth spurts).
Give an example of bone marrow failure that leads to anemia
aplastic anemia (can be inherited): injury to bone marrow from medications, radiation, chemotherapy, infection, etc.
How does hemolysis cause anemia?
destroys of RBCs (hemolytic anemia)
What are two examples of hemolytic anemia?
Hereditary (sickle cell) and Acquired (Erythroblastosis fetalis: Rh negative mother develops antibodies against Rh positive fetus)
Give an example of a genetic blood disorder
Thalassemia
What is thalassemia?
A genetic blood disorder characterized by decreased production of normal hemoglobin.
Which populations are most affected by thalassemia?
Individuals of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, African, or Southeast Asian descent.
What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Deficiency of iron in blood making RBCs smaller and deficient in hemoglobin.
Who is more commonly affected by Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Younger individuals and females.
What are some etiologies of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Malnutrition or malabsorption, chronic infection, increased body demand for iron, and chronic blood loss.
What are the causes of chronic blood loss in Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Internal bleeding, excessive menstruation, or frequent blood donations.