Question 1

A blood sample is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, as shown in the first image. After spinning, the sample separates into three layers. Which of the following correctly identifies the composition and relative percentage of each layer in normal blood?

Accepted Answer

Plasma (55%), Buffy coat (\u003c1%), Erythrocytes (45%)

Question 2

The color of blood varies with oxygen levels, as shown in the second image. Which statement best explains why oxygenated blood appears bright red while deoxygenated blood appears dark red?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen binds to the iron in hemoglobin, causing a conformational change that reflects more red light.

Question 3

Refer to the third image showing blood analysis. Which condition is characterized by an increased hematocrit and what is a likely physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia; increased risk of thrombosis due to higher blood viscosity

Question 4

Based on the plasma composition tables (images 4 and 5), which plasma protein is most responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure and why?

Accepted Answer

Albumin, because it is the most abundant plasma protein and acts as a major osmotic buffer

Question 5

The metabolism of chylomicrons (image 6) demonstrates how lipids are transported in blood. Why can lipids travel in plasma despite being insoluble in water?

Accepted Answer

They are bound to soluble plasma transport proteins, forming lipoprotein complexes

Question 6

In the blood smear image (image 7), which cell type is most numerous and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Erythrocytes; transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Question 7

The biconcave shape of erythrocytes (image 8) is critical for their function. Which of the following best explains the advantage of this shape?

Accepted Answer

It increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, enhancing gas exchange efficiency

Question 8

The hemoglobin molecule (image 9) consists of four protein chains and heme groups. How many oxygen molecules can one hemoglobin molecule bind?

Accepted Answer

Four

Question 9

The heme group structure (image 10) contains an iron ion. What is the role of this iron ion in oxygen transport?

Accepted Answer

It reversibly binds one molecule of O$$_2$$ per heme group

Question 10

The homeostatic regulation of erythropoiesis (image 11) involves erythropoietin (EPO). Which organ is the primary source of EPO in response to hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

Kidney

Question 11

A patient with acute mountain sickness (image 12) experiences hypoxia at high altitude. Which physiological response is expected to occur to compensate for low oxygen levels?

Accepted Answer

Increased erythropoiesis and red blood cell production

Question 12

The erythrocyte maturation pathway (image 13) shows the loss of the nucleus during development. What is the significance of mature erythrocytes being anucleate?

Accepted Answer

It maximizes space for hemoglobin, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity

Question 13

The breakdown of hemoglobin (image 14) produces bilirubin, which is transported to the liver. What clinical condition results from the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice

Question 14

The differential WBC count (image 15) shows that neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte. What is the primary function of neutrophils?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis of bacteria and rapid response to infection

Question 15

The images of granulocytes (images 16 and 17) show different types of white blood cells. Which granulocyte is primarily involved in allergic reactions and the release of histamine?

Accepted Answer

Basophil

Question 16

The cartoon (image 19) illustrates granulocyte functions. Which cell type is most effective at killing parasitic worms?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophil

Question 17

The process of diapedesis (image 21) allows leukocytes to move out of blood vessels. Which type of leukocyte is most likely to use this process to reach sites of infection?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophil

Question 18

The formation of platelets (image 22) involves fragmentation of a large precursor cell. What is the name of this precursor cell?

Accepted Answer

Megakaryocyte

Question 19

The coagulation cascade (images 24 and 25) requires several factors. Which vitamin is essential for the synthesis of several clotting factors?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K

Question 20

The inheritance pattern of hemophilia (image 27) is X-linked recessive. If a mother is a carrier and the father is unaffected, what is the probability that a son will have hemophilia?

Accepted Answer

50%

Blood: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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