RBCs are the most abundant cell type in the human body.
What is the average size of a RBC?
7 micrometers
What is the average lifespan of a RBC?
120 days
What is Hb?
Quaternary structure
4 sub-units (polypeptide chain attached with a haem group containing Fe+2)
Adult Hb = 2 alpha & 2 beta subunits
Foetal Hb (HbF) = 2 alpha & 2 gamma subunits
What are the functions of the spleen?
Filtration of blood
Iron metabolism
Prevention of infection
RBC & platelet storage
Any pt with hyposplenia/asplenia must receive prophylactic vaccination against encapsulated organisms (e.g. Strep pneumoniae, N. meningitides & H. influenzae)
