The Blood: Lectures 5 and 13 Flashcards
(13 cards)
Why is blood of pharmacological importance?
Most drugs at therapeutic conditions bind to plasma proteins
What is serum?
The fluid and solvent component of the blood (plasma without the platelets)
Why is plasma useful?
It can be used as a temporary blood substitute: It will alleviate drops in bp and aid wound healing (due to platelets).
Why is blood serum useful?
Can be used for diagnostic measurements
Can be used as a growth medium for cell cultures
What are the two types of bone marrow and their purposes?
Red marrow - Produces red blood cells
Yellow marrow - Produces cartilage, fat and bone cells
Describe how blood cells form
Hematopoietic stem cells differentiate into myeloid progenitor cells or lymphoid progenitor cells
These go on to form the various blood cells
What are the key functions of the blood
- Nutrient and oxygen transportation
- Hormone transportation
- System by which leukocytes can move around the body to fight infection
Explain how the structure of an erythrocyte relates to its function
Bi-concave shape in order to maximise surface-area to volume ratio for gas exchange
Polysacchs and proteins in the membrane allow for identification as foreign or familiar
What hormone dictates erythropoiesis?
Erythropoietin
Describe the EPO hormone system and explain how it provides feedback
EPO secreted in small amounts by the kidney
If low O2 saturation is detected, increased erythropoiesis occurs to increase possible gas exchange
What two types of immunity can leucocytes offer?
Innate immunity - Myeloid cells and granulocytes which act as the first line of defence
Adaptive immunity - Lymphocytes which are antigen specific and provide longer-lasting protection
What are the three types of myeloid cells?
Monocytes/macrophages - Phagocytic cells that engulf foreign pathogens/objects
Eosinophil cells - Play a key role in defence against parasitic infections, play a big role in asthma
Basophil/mast cells - Circulating immune cells, contain histamines
