Haematology 1- clotting & coagulations

• What is the scientific name for red blood cells?

  Erythrocytes
• What is the scientific name for white blood cells?

  Leukocytes
• What is the primary function of red blood cells?


  To transport oxygen to cells and some carbon dioxide to the lungs
• What is the lifespan of red blood cells?


  ~120 days
• What triggers the release of erythropoietin (EPO) from the kidneys?


  Low oxygen concentration
• What is the role of thrombopoietin in blood cell production?


  It controls the differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets
• What are the main components of blood?

  • Red blood cells (RBC)
  • White blood cells (WBC)
  • Platelets
  • Plasma (water, proteins, gases, nutrients)
• What is the function of platelets?


  To facilitate blood clotting
• What is the process of blood cell production called?

  Haematopoiesis
• How do neutrophils respond to infection?


  They accumulate rapidly at sites of infection and phagocytose pathogens
• What is the lifespan of neutrophils?


  0.5-3 days
• What is the role of eosinophils in the immune response?


  They are involved in the immune response to helminths and parasites
• What do basophils release that is important in allergic reactions?


  Heparin
• What is the function of B cells in the immune response?


  They secrete antibodies
• What is the primary function of monocytes?


  To differentiate into tissue-resident macrophages
• What are the steps involved in haemostasis?


  1. Vascular constriction
  2. Platelet plug formation
  3. Blood clotting (coagulation)
• What are the two pathways that can activate coagulation factors?


  Extrinsic pathway and intrinsic pathway
• What is the role of von Willebrand factor (vWF) in platelet function?


  It promotes platelet adhesion to exposed collagen
• What is the effect of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) on blood vessels?


  It induces smooth muscle contraction and platelet aggregation
• What is the lifespan of platelets?


  1. 9 days
• What is the significance of the biconcave shape of red blood cells?


  It increases the surface area for oxygen transport
• What are the differences between granular and agranular white blood cells?


  Granular WBC:

  • Contain granules
  • Examples: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils

  
  

  Agranular WBC:

  • Do not contain granules
  • Examples: lymphocytes, monocytes
• What is the primary role of white blood cells?


  To combat invading microbes
• What is the function of the spleen in relation to red blood cells?


  It removes dead red blood cells from circulation
• What is the role of calcium ions ([Ca$^{2+}$]) in platelet activation?


  They increase platelet activation and aggregation
• What is the significance of the term "diapedesis" in relation to white blood cells?


  It refers to the movement of WBC out of the bloodstream to sites of infection
• How do the functions of platelets contribute to the process of hemostasis?


  They form a plug and release substances that promote clotting
• What is the primary component of hemoglobin (Hb) that allows oxygen binding?


  Iron (Fe$^{2+}$) ions
• What is the role of macrophages in the immune response?


  They phagocytose pathogens and dead cells
• How does the structure of red blood cells enhance their function?


  The lack of nucleus and organelles increases oxygen transport efficiency
• What is the function of the granules found in granular white blood cells?


  They contain enzymes and substances for immune response
• What is the significance of the term "extravasation" in relation to white blood cells?


  It refers to the movement of WBC from the bloodstream into tissues
• How do the functions of different types of white blood cells complement each other in the immune response?


  Different WBC types target various pathogens and coordinate the immune response
• What is the primary role of lymphocytes in the immune system?


  To mediate the innate and adaptive immune response
• What is the role of the bone marrow in blood cell production?


  It is the site where blood cells are produced
• How does the process of erythropoiesis relate to homeostasis?


  It regulates blood oxygen levels by producing RBCs in response to low oxygen
• What is the function of the kidneys in relation to erythropoiesis?


  They sense low oxygen levels and release erythropoietin
• What is the significance of the term "homeostasis" in the context of blood oxygen levels?


  It refers to the maintenance of stable blood oxygen levels
• How do the various components of blood work together to maintain homeostasis?


  They transport nutrients, gases, and waste products while regulating temperature and pH
• What is the primary function of the vascular constriction during haemostasis?


  To prevent blood loss