Blood Flashcards
What is blood?
Blood is a vital fluid in the human body that performs several critical functions, composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
What are the main functions of red blood cells?
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.
What is the lifespan of red blood cells?
Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days.
What condition is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells?
Anemia is the condition characterized by having too few red blood cells.
What role do white blood cells play in the body?
White blood cells are part of the immune system and help fight infections.
What are neutrophils?
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells and are the first responders to microbial infection.
What is the function of lymphocytes?
Lymphocytes are responsible for identifying and neutralizing pathogens, with B cells producing antibodies and T cells attacking infected cells.
What are platelets and their main function?
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that help with blood clotting.
What is the normal range for platelet count?
The normal range for platelets is 150,000 to 450,000 per cubic millimeter.
What is blood plasma?
Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood that holds the blood cells in suspension and makes up about 55% of the body's total blood volume.
What is the primary composition of blood plasma?
Blood plasma is primarily composed of water, proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products.
What is the role of plasma in the body?
Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and volume, supplies proteins for blood clotting and immunity, and transports waste products for excretion.
What are macrophages?
Macrophages are large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and debris.
What distinguishes dendritic cells from macrophages?
Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that capture antigens and present them to T cells, bridging the innate and adaptive immune responses.
What is leukopenia?
Leukopenia is the condition of having too few white blood cells.
What is leukocytosis?
Leukocytosis is the condition of having too many white blood cells.
What is the significance of Giulio Bizzozero in hematology?
Giulio Bizzozero is credited with the discovery of platelets and their role in blood clotting.
What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues throughout the body.
What is thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count.
What is thrombocytosis?
Thrombocytosis is a condition characterized by a high platelet count.
What is the role of cytokines released by neutrophils?
Cytokines help coordinate the immune response by attracting other immune cells to the site of infection.
What is the primary function of eosinophils?
Eosinophils are involved in combating multicellular parasites and certain infections.
What is the role of antibodies produced by B cells?
Antibodies specifically target and bind to antigens on the surface of pathogens.
What is the importance of a complete blood count (CBC)?
A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the cells in a patient's blood, helping to diagnose various conditions.