Red Blood Cells (RBCs) Flashcards
(24 cards)
Another name for RBC?
erythrocyte
What is the main function of RBC?
carry oxygen to tissues
RBC is made of a protein called?
hemoglobin
RBC life span?
120 days
Blood is made of?
RBCs, WBCs, platelets. Suspended in plasma
Normal RBC count for women?
4.2 - 5.4 /ul
Normal RBC count for men
4.7 - 6.1 /ul
Hemoglobin can carry ______ molecules of oxygen.
4
RBC production begins in the _________.
bone marrow
Peritubular cells in the kidney sense decreased oxygen (hypoxia), then produce a hormone called ______.
erythropoietin
The release of erythropoietin by the kidneys stimulates the bone marrow to _____.
produce more RBCs
The destruction of RBCs is facilitated by phagocytic cells found in the _______.
liver, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes
Heme from destroyed RBC is converted into ____?
bilirubin
Bilirubin is removed from the blood by the _____ and conjugated to make it water soluble.
liver
The plasma-insoluble form of bilirubin is referred to as ________ bilirubin.
unconjugated
The water-soluble form of bilirubin is referred to as ________ bilirubin.
conjugated
What condition happens when RBC destruction takes place in the blood, causing excessive build up of bilirubin, and yellowing of the skin?
jaundice
How tightly hemoglobin is bound to oxygen is referred to as _____?
affinity
Oxygen binds with hemoglobin to form?
oxyhemoglobin
Increased affinity =
↑pH, ↓CO2, ↓temp
Decreased affinity =
↓pH, ↑CO2, ↑temp
A condition where there are abnormally high (too many) RBCs with increased Hgb & Hct is called _______
polycythemia
A rare neurologic syndrome caused by excessive unconjugated bilirubin in infants.
Kernicterus
Increased bilirubin is treated with ______.
phototherapy
skin needs to absorb light to convert bilirubin making it soluble
