Structure and Function of the Hematologic System-2.

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COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM • Composition of blood – 92% water and 8% solutes – 6 quarts (5.5 L) – Plasma • 50% to 55% of the blood volume • Aqueous liquid with organic and... inorganic (electrolytes) elements – Serum • Plasma that has been allowed to clot to remove fibrinogen (may interfere with diagnostic tests) COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM (CONT’D) • Composition of blood – Plasma proteins • 7% of the plasma total weight • Majority are synthesized in the liver – Except immunoglobulins (made by plasma cells) • Albumins – Function as carriers; control plasma oncotic pressure • Globulins – Carrier proteins and immunoglobulins (Ig) (antibodies), primarily IgG • Clotting factors – Mainly fibrinogen COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM (CONT’D) • Composition of blood – Plasma proteins by function • Clotting – Fibrinogen and fibrin – Promotes coagulation and stops bleeding • Defense – Antibodies – Complement • Transport – Proteins bind and carry; lipoproteins • Regulation – Enzymatic inhibitors – Precursor molecules – Helps communicate: Cytokines • Composition of blood – Cellular components • Red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytes • White blood cells (WBCs): Leukocytes • Platelets: Thrombocytes COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM (CONT’D) • Erythrocytes – Are the most abundant cells of the blood (48% in men; 42% in women). – Are responsible for tissue oxygenation. – Contain hemoglobin. – Have biconcavity and reversible deformity. • Biconcavity: Shape provides a surface area and volume ratio that are optimal for gas diffusion and deformity. • Reversible deformity: Enables the erythrocyte to assume a more compact torpedo-like shape, squeeze through the microcirculation, and return to normal. – Have a 120-day life cycle. COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM (CONT’D) • Leukocytes – Defend the body against infection, and remove debris – Normal level: 5000 to 10,000 cells/mm3 – Granulocytes: Phagocytes • Contain many granules in c [Show More]

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