Advanced Pathophysiology > Hematologic System > Flashcards

Hematologic System Flashcards

(59 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What is blood composed of?

A
  • Cells
  • Plasma

Plasma is 91% water and 9% solutes (proteins + inorganic substances).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the four essential functions of blood?

A
  • Delivery of substances for cellular metabolism
  • Removal of metabolic waste
  • Defense against microorganisms and injury
  • Maintenance of acid–base balance

These functions are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What percentage of total blood volume does plasma make up?

A

50–55%

Plasma is a complex aqueous solution of organic and inorganic elements.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the major categories of plasma proteins?

A
  • Albumin
  • Globulins
  • Clotting proteins

Most plasma proteins are produced by the liver, with antibodies being a major exception produced by plasma cells (B cells).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the primary function of albumin?

A
  • Carrier molecule for substances
  • Maintenance of colloidal oncotic pressure

Albumin does not diffuse freely through capillary walls and holds water in the intravascular space.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Conditions that reduce albumin levels include:

A
  • Cirrhosis
  • Liver disease
  • Protein malnutrition
  • Kidney disease
  • Extensive burns

Low albumin reduces oncotic pressure, causing edema and decreased blood volume.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the types of globulins?

A
  • Alpha (α) globulins
  • Beta (β) globulins
  • Gamma (γ) globulins

Gamma globulins are primarily immunoglobulin G (IgG) and are essential for immune defense.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the four classifications of plasma proteins by function?

A
  • Clotting Proteins
  • Defense Proteins
  • Transport Proteins
  • Regulatory Proteins

Each classification serves a specific role in the body, such as promoting coagulation or carrying molecules.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the major plasma ions that regulate cell function?

A
  • Sodium (Na⁺)
  • Potassium (K⁺)
  • Calcium (Ca²⁺)
  • Chloride (Cl⁻)
  • Phosphate (PO₄³⁻)

These electrolytes are crucial for osmotic pressure and blood pH regulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the three major cellular elements of blood?

A
  • Erythrocytes (RBCs)
  • Leukocytes (WBCs)
  • Platelets (Thrombocytes)

These elements perform essential survival functions and float in plasma.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the primary function of erythrocytes (RBCs)?

A

Tissue oxygenation

RBCs contain hemoglobin (Hb) for O₂ and CO₂ transport.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the life span of erythrocytes (RBCs)?

A

100–120 days

They are produced in the bone marrow and removed mainly by the spleen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the shape of erythrocytes and its significance?

A

Biconcave shape

This shape increases surface area for gas exchange and allows RBCs to pass through narrow capillaries.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the WBC count range for leukocytes (WBCs)?

A

5,000–10,000/mm³

WBCs defend against infection and remove debris.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the types of granulocytes?

A
  • Neutrophils
  • Eosinophils
  • Basophils
  • Mast cells

Granulocytes are characterized by multilobed nuclei and cytoplasmic granules.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the primary function of neutrophils?

A
  • Phagocytosis of bacteria and debris
  • Formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)

Neutrophils are the most abundant WBCs and first responders in acute inflammation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the role of eosinophils?

A
  • Phagocytosis of antigen-antibody complexes
  • Defense against parasites
  • Present antigens to cytotoxic T cells

Eosinophils are involved in type I and type II hypersensitivity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What do basophils release?

A
  • Histamine
  • Heparin
  • Proteolytic enzymes
  • Chemotactic factors

Basophils participate in IgE-mediated hypersensitivity and allergic inflammation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the characteristics of monocytes?

A
  • Largest blood cells
  • Horseshoe-shaped nucleus

Monocytes mature into macrophages in tissues and play key roles in phagocytosis and immune regulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the function of lymphocytes?

A
  • Primary cells of the adaptive immune response
  • Types: T cells, B cells, Plasma cells

Lymphocytes make up 20–25% of WBCs and have varying life spans.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the life span of platelets (thrombocytes)?

A

8–11 days

Platelets are essential for hemostasis and vascular repair.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the largest lymphoid organ?

A

Spleen

The spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and helps fight infections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What happens if the spleen is removed?

A
  • Higher white blood cell count
  • More platelets
  • Weaker against certain bacteria

People without a spleen need extra vaccines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are lymph nodes?

Study These Flashcards
A

Small, bean-shaped organs that filter lymph

They act as checkpoints for germs and are part of the hematologic and immune systems.

25
What is the **function of lymph nodes** in immunity?
First meeting place between antigen and lymphocytes ## Footnote Lymphocytes enter from blood via high endothelial venules (HEVs).
26
What is the primary site of **hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)**?
Bone marrow ## Footnote Bone marrow supports self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of HSCs.
27
What are the two main groups of **stem cells** in bone marrow?
* Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) * Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ## Footnote HSCs develop into all blood cells, while MSCs develop into stromal cells and other cell types.
28
What are the **two main groups** of stem cells?
* Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) * Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ## Footnote HSCs develop into all blood cells, while MSCs develop into various stromal cells.
29
What do **stromal cells** create that is essential for stem cell function?
Extracellular matrix ## Footnote This matrix anchors developing cells.
30
Define **differentiation** in the context of stem cells.
A stepwise process ## Footnote Cells move from pluripotent to multipotent.
31
What type of stem cells are **Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)**?
Multipotent stem cells ## Footnote HSCs can self-renew and differentiate into hematopoietic progenitor cells.
32
What are the **lineages** that progenitor cells can differentiate into?
* Lymphoid lineage: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK cells * Myeloid lineage: Monocytes, macrophages, Neutrophils, Basophils, Eosinophils, Megakaryocytes, platelets, Erythrocytes ## Footnote Progenitor cells are committed to specific lineages.
33
How does the body increase **blood cell production** under certain conditions?
* Converting yellow marrow to red marrow * Increasing proliferation of stem cells * Increasing differentiation of progenitor cells ## Footnote Erythropoietin controls the conversion of marrow types.
34
What is **hematopoiesis**?
The production of blood cells ## Footnote In the fetus, blood cells are produced in the liver and spleen; after birth, they are produced in the bone marrow.
35
Where does **extramedullary hematopoiesis** occur?
* Liver * Spleen * Lymph nodes * Adrenal glands * Cartilage * Adipose tissue * Intrathoracic tissue * Kidneys ## Footnote Usually a sign of disease.
36
What regulates **erythropoiesis**?
Erythropoietin (EPO) ## Footnote Hypoxia stimulates the kidneys to release EPO, which increases RBC production.
37
What is the composition of **hemoglobin (Hb)**?
* 90 percent of RBC dry weight * Four globin chains * Four heme groups ## Footnote Adult Hb (Hb A) = α2 β2; Fetal Hb (Hb F) = α2 γ2.
38
What is the role of **carbon monoxide (CO)** in relation to hemoglobin?
Binds Hb with 200-fold greater affinity than oxygen ## Footnote Even small exposures can severely reduce oxygen transport.
39
What are the **essential vitamins** for RBC production?
* B12 * Folate * B6 * Riboflavin * Pantothenic acid * Niacin * Ascorbic acid * Vitamin E ## Footnote Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption.
40
What happens to old RBCs after their lifespan of approximately **120 days**?
* Removed by macrophages (mainly in the spleen) * If spleen absent, removal occurs in the liver ## Footnote Old RBCs lose ATP and membrane flexibility.
41
What is the **iron cycle**?
* 67 percent in hemoglobin * 5–10 percent in myoglobin * 30 percent stored as ferritin or hemosiderin * 3 percent lost daily ## Footnote Body reuses most iron through this cycle.
42
What are the **main functions of platelets**?
* Regulate blood flow to injured sites * Adhere to injured endothelium * Aggregate to form a platelet plug * Release granules that activate the coagulation cascade ## Footnote Normal platelet count is 150,000 to 400,000 per mm³.
43
What are the **steps of platelet activation at injury**?
* Adhesion * Activation and degranulation * Aggregation * Activation of clotting and fibrin mesh formation ## Footnote These steps are crucial for hemostasis.
44
What are the **two pathways for activation** in the clotting system?
* Extrinsic Pathway (Tissue Factor Pathway) * Intrinsic Pathway (Contact Activation Pathway) ## Footnote Both pathways activate factor X.
45
What is the role of **thrombin** in the clotting process?
* Converts fibrinogen into fibrin * Activates factors V, VIII, XI, XIII * Activates platelets * Activates endothelial cells ## Footnote Thrombin is central to the clotting cascade.
46
What are the **key natural anticoagulants** on the endothelium?
* Antithrombin III (AT-III) * Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) * Protein C system ## Footnote These mechanisms prevent unwanted clotting.
47
What is **Antithrombin III (AT-III)**?
A circulating inhibitor of plasma serine proteases ## Footnote Made by the liver and binds to heparan sulfate on endothelial cells.
48
What enhances **AT-III activity** dramatically?
Heparin ## Footnote Heparin is a clinical agent that significantly boosts the function of Antithrombin III.
49
What does **AT-III** inhibit?
* Thrombin * Factor Xa * Other activated factors ## Footnote AT-III plays a crucial role in regulating blood coagulation.
50
What conditions can lead to **AT-III deficiency**?
* Sepsis * Liver disease * Nephrotic syndrome ## Footnote AT-III deficiency can result in venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE).
51
What is the primary function of **Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI)**?
Primary inhibitor of extrinsic (TF) pathway ## Footnote TFPI is produced by endothelial cells and platelets.
52
How does **TFPI** inhibit the TF/VIIa complex?
Complexes with factor Xa ## Footnote This action slows prothrombinase, reducing thrombin generation.
53
What is the role of **Thrombomodulin**?
Thrombin receptor on endothelial cells ## Footnote When thrombin binds thrombomodulin, it loses its procoagulant function.
54
What does the **thrombin–thrombomodulin complex** activate?
Protein C ## Footnote Activated Protein C (APC) along with Protein S degrades Va and VIIIa.
55
What is the purpose of **fibrinolysis**?
* Prevents excessive clot accumulation * Clears fibrin from tissues and blood vessels * Restores normal blood flow ## Footnote Fibrinolysis is essential for maintaining hemostatic balance.
56
What is **plasminogen** converted into?
Plasmin ## Footnote Plasmin is the enzyme responsible for dissolving clots.
57
What are the main activators of **plasminogen**?
* t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) * u-PA (urokinase) ## Footnote t-PA is released by endothelial cells, while u-PA is the primary activator in tissues.
58
What is the primary role of **t-PA**?
Primary activator of intravascular fibrinolysis ## Footnote t-PA works best when bound to fibrin within a clot.
59
What is the primary role of **u-PA**?
Primary activator of extravascular fibrinolysis ## Footnote u-PA acts by binding to the u-PA receptor (u-PAR) on cell surfaces.
Advanced Pathophysiology
flashcards
Decks in class (14)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions