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Blood Composition and Function - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (24)

  • Functions of blood

    Transport of gases, nutrients, and wastes; regulation of pH, temperature, and water content; protection against blood loss and infection.

  • Why is blood classified as connective tissue?

    Blood has a liquid extracellular matrix (plasma) and cells suspended in it, connecting body systems by transporting substances.

  • Composition of whole blood

    ~55% plasma (water, proteins, solutes) and ~45% formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets).

  • Physical characteristics of whole blood

    Viscous, opaque, with a metallic taste; color varies from bright red (oxygenated) to dark red (deoxygenated); temperature ~38°C; pH 7.35-7.45.

  • Composition and function of plasma

    ~90% water, plasma proteins (albumins, globulins, fibrinogen), nutrients, gases, hormones, wastes; transports substances and maintains osmotic pressure.

  • Structure of erythrocytes

    Biconcave, anucleate cells with flexible membranes to maximize surface area for gas exchange.

  • Function of erythrocytes

    Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs.

  • Production of erythrocytes

    Produced in red bone marrow via erythropoiesis, stimulated by erythropoietin from kidneys.

  • Chemical composition of hemoglobin

    Protein with four polypeptide chains, each containing a heme group with an iron ion that binds oxygen.

  • Examples of erythrocyte disorders

    Anemia: low RBC or hemoglobin; Sickle cell disease: abnormal hemoglobin causes misshapen cells; Polycythemia: excess RBCs.

  • Classes of leukocytes

    Granulocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils; Agranulocytes: lymphocytes, monocytes.

  • Structural characteristics of leukocytes

    Have nuclei and organelles; granulocytes contain visible granules; agranulocytes lack visible granules.

  • Functions of leukocytes

    Defend against pathogens, remove toxins and wastes, and attack abnormal cells.

  • Leukocyte production

    Produced in red bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells via leukopoiesis, regulated by colony-stimulating factors.

  • Examples of leukocyte disorders

    Leukemia: cancer causing excessive abnormal leukocytes; Leukopenia: low leukocyte count increasing infection risk.

  • Structure and function of platelets

    Small, anucleate cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes; essential for blood clotting.

  • Process of hemostasis

    Vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation to stop bleeding.

  • Factors limiting clot formation

    Anticoagulants like antithrombin, heparin, and fibrinolysis prevent excessive clotting.

  • Examples of hemostatic disorders

    Hemophilia: deficiency of clotting factors causing bleeding; Thrombosis: abnormal clot formation blocking vessels.

  • ABO blood groups

    Based on presence of A and/or B antigens on RBCs; antibodies in plasma react against non-self antigens causing transfusion reactions.

  • Rh blood group system

    Presence (+) or absence (-) of Rh antigen (D); Rh incompatibility can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn.

  • Basis of transfusion reactions

    Recipient antibodies attack donor RBC antigens if incompatible, causing hemolysis and serious complications.

  • Fluids used to replace blood volume

    Crystalloids (saline, lactated Ringer's) and colloids (plasma, albumin) used depending on cause of volume loss.

  • Diagnostic importance of blood testing

    Evaluates health status, detects diseases, monitors organ function, and guides treatment.