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Blood and Heart Fundamentals Chapter 17

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the main components of blood?
    Blood consists of plasma (non-living fluid matrix) and formed elements (living blood cells: erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets).
  • What layers form when blood is centrifuged?
    Blood separates into plasma (~55%), buffy coat (WBCs and platelets, <1%), and erythrocytes (~45%).
  • What are the physical characteristics of blood?
    Blood is a sticky, opaque fluid with a metallic taste, pH 7.35–7.45, color varies with oxygen content, and makes up about 8% of body weight.
  • List the primary functions of blood.
    Blood functions in distribution (O2, nutrients, wastes, hormones), regulation (temperature, pH, fluid volume), and protection (clotting, immune defense).
  • What is the composition of blood plasma?
    Blood plasma is about 90% water and contains over 100 dissolved solutes including nutrients, gases, hormones, wastes, proteins, and ions.
  • Describe erythrocytes and their function.
    Erythrocytes are biconcave, anucleate cells filled with hemoglobin for gas transport; they provide flexibility and contribute to blood viscosity.
  • What is hematopoiesis?
    Hematopoiesis is the formation of blood cells in red bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells (hemocytoblasts).
  • How is erythropoiesis regulated?
    Erythropoiesis is regulated by hormonal controls like erythropoietin (EPO) and requires adequate iron, amino acids, and B vitamins.
  • What causes sickle-cell anemia?
    Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a single amino acid mutation in hemoglobin beta chain, leading to crescent-shaped RBCs that rupture easily.
  • What are leukocytes and their categories?
    Leukocytes are white blood cells involved in defense; categorized as granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and agranulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes).
  • What is the function of platelets?
    Platelets are cytoplasmic fragments that form temporary plugs to seal vessel breaks and release chemicals to promote clotting.
  • What are the three steps of hemostasis?
    Hemostasis involves (1) vascular spasm, (2) platelet plug formation, and (3) coagulation to stop bleeding.
  • How do atrioventricular (AV) valves function?
    AV valves prevent backflow into atria during ventricular contraction; chordae tendineae anchor valve cusps to papillary muscles.
  • What is the role of semilunar valves?
    Semilunar valves prevent backflow into ventricles when they relax, opening and closing in response to pressure changes.
  • Describe the pulmonary and systemic circuits of the heart.
    The pulmonary circuit pumps oxygen-poor blood to lungs; the systemic circuit pumps oxygen-rich blood to body tissues.
  • What are the differences between the right and left ventricles?
    The left ventricle has thicker walls (3x) and pumps blood at higher pressure through the systemic circuit; the right ventricle pumps to the pulmonary circuit.
  • What is the function of the coronary circulation?
    Coronary circulation supplies blood to the heart muscle itself, mainly during heart relaxation.
  • What are the ABO blood groups based on?
    ABO blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on RBC membranes and corresponding plasma antibodies.
  • What happens during a transfusion reaction?
    Mismatched blood causes agglutination and hemolysis of donor RBCs, leading to diminished oxygen capacity, blocked vessels, and possible kidney failure.
  • What is the universal donor and universal recipient blood type?
    Type O is the universal donor (no A or B antigens); Type AB is the universal recipient (no anti-A or anti-B antibodies).