Topic 2: Blood and Lymphatic System Flashcards
(23 cards)
Functions of Blood
List the eight main functions of blood.
- Transport of respiratory gases
- Regulation of pH
- Regulation of electrolytes
- Regulation of fluid loss (hemostasis)
- Defense against pathogens
- Regulation of body temperature
- Transport of hormones
- Transport of nutrients and metabolic wastes
Components of Blood
What are the two major components of blood, and what do they include?
- Plasma (46–63%): includes proteins (albumins, globulins, fibrinogen, regulatory proteins) and solutes (electrolytes, nutrients, wastes)
- Formed elements (37–54%): includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Plasma Proteins
Name the major plasma proteins and their functions.
Albumins: osmotic pressure
Globulins: antibodies
Fibrinogen: clotting
Regulatory proteins: hormones and enzymes
Formed Elements
What are the formed elements of blood and their functions?
Red blood cells: transport gases
White blood cells: immune defense
Platelets: clot formation
Hematocrit
What is hematocrit and what does it measure?
Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells. It reflects oxygen-carrying capacity.
Red Blood Cells
What is the shape and primary function of red blood cells?
They are biconcave discs that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Hemoglobin Structure
Describe the structure of hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin consists of four globin chains, each with a heme group containing iron that binds one oxygen molecule.
Platelets
What are platelets and what is their role in the body?
Platelets are cell fragments involved in clot formation during hemostasis.
ABO Blood Group
What antibodies are made by each ABO blood type?
Type A: anti-B antibodies
Type B: anti-A antibodies
Type AB: no antibodies
Type O: both anti-A and anti-B antibodies
Rh Factor
What is the difference between Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood?
Rh-positive: has Rh antigen on RBC surface
Rh-negative: lacks Rh antigen and can produce anti-Rh antibodies
Blood Type Compatibility
Which blood types are the universal donor and universal recipient?
Universal donor: Type O negative
Universal recipient: Type AB positive
Microscopic Anatomy
How do RBCs, WBCs, and platelets differ microscopically?
RBCs: small, biconcave, no nucleus
WBCs: larger, nucleated
Platelets: small cell fragments
Neutrophils
What is the function of neutrophils and what condition increases them?
They phagocytize bacteria; levels increase during bacterial infections.
Eosinophils
What is the function of eosinophils and when do their levels rise?
They combat parasitic infections and mediate allergies; levels rise during parasitic infection or allergic reaction.
Basophils
What is the function of basophils and when are they elevated?
They release histamine and heparin during allergic reactions; elevated in inflammation.
Lymphocytes
What is the role of lymphocytes in the immune system?
B cells produce antibodies; T cells attack infected or cancerous cells; elevated in viral infections.
Monocytes
What is the function of monocytes?
They become macrophages and phagocytize debris and pathogens; elevated in chronic infections.
WBC Location
Where are most white blood cells located in the body?
Most WBCs reside in tissues or lymphatic organs, not the bloodstream.
Diapedesis
How do WBCs leave the bloodstream to enter tissues?
Via diapedesis, squeezing through capillary walls into tissues.
Immune System Functions
List three functions of the lymphatic system.
- Returns excess interstitial fluid to blood
- Transports dietary lipids
- Initiates immune responses in lymphoid tissue
Lymph Flow
Describe how lymph flows through the body and returns to the bloodstream.
Lymph moves through capillaries → vessels → nodes → trunks → ducts (thoracic or right lymphatic) → subclavian veins
Tonsils and Lymph Nodes
What is found inside tonsils and lymph nodes?
Lymphocytes and macrophages that filter pathogens and initiate immune responses.
Tonsils and Spleen
List the lymphatic structures that should be identified on a cadaver.
Pharyngeal tonsil, palatine tonsil, lingual tonsil, spleen
