BIO 169 Exam 2 Review: Blood, Heart, and Circulation Study Guidance

Q1. What is the average pH of blood?

Background

Topic: Blood Chemistry

This question tests your knowledge of the normal physiological range for blood pH, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Key Terms:

• pH: A measure of hydrogen ion concentration; a lower pH means more acidic, higher means more basic.

• Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall that blood pH is tightly regulated by the body to ensure proper enzyme function and cellular processes.

2. Think about the normal pH range for most body fluids and how blood compares to other fluids like gastric juice or urine.

3. Remember that even small deviations from the normal blood pH can have significant physiological effects.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. What are the general characteristics of blood?

Background

Topic: Blood Composition and Properties

This question asks you to recall the main physical and functional characteristics of blood as a connective tissue.

Key Terms:

• Viscosity: Thickness or resistance to flow.

• Volume: Average amount in adults.

• Temperature: Slightly higher than body temperature.

• Color: Varies with oxygenation.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the physical properties of blood, such as color, viscosity, temperature, and volume.

2. Consider the functional characteristics, including its role in transport, regulation, and protection.

3. Think about how these characteristics compare to other body fluids.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. What determines your blood type?

Background

Topic: Blood Typing and Antigens

This question tests your understanding of the ABO and Rh blood group systems and how they determine blood type.

Key Terms:

• Antigen: A molecule on the surface of red blood cells that can trigger an immune response.

• Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system that binds to specific antigens.

• ABO system: Classification based on presence of A and/or B antigens.

• Rh factor: Presence (+) or absence (−) of the D antigen.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall which antigens are present on the surface of red blood cells for each blood type (A, B, AB, O).

2. Consider the presence or absence of the Rh antigen (D antigen) and how it modifies the blood type.

3. Think about how antibodies in the plasma interact with these antigens.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. What are the main functions of blood?

Background

Topic: Blood Functions

This question asks you to recall the three primary functions of blood in the body.

Key Terms:

• Transport: Movement of gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste.

• Regulation: Maintenance of pH, temperature, and fluid balance.

• Protection: Defense against pathogens and blood loss.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the substances that blood transports throughout the body.

2. Identify how blood helps regulate homeostasis (e.g., pH, temperature).

3. Consider the protective roles of blood, such as clotting and immune defense.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What causes a sickling episode in an individual with sickle-cell anemia?

Background

Topic: Hemoglobin Disorders

This question tests your understanding of the pathophysiology of sickle-cell anemia and what triggers red blood cells to sickle.

Key Terms:

• Sickle-cell anemia: A genetic disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin (HbS).

• Deoxygenation: Loss of oxygen from hemoglobin.

• Polymerization: HbS molecules stick together under certain conditions.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall what happens to hemoglobin S when oxygen levels are low.

2. Think about the environmental or physiological conditions that can lead to decreased oxygen (e.g., high altitude, exercise, infection).

3. Consider how these changes affect the shape and function of red blood cells.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!