Cardiovascular System
Blood
Overall Blood Characteristics
Red Blood Cells- 45%
White Blood Cells- 1%
Platelets- <1%
Females: 4-5L
Males: 5-6L
Production is caused by the need for oxygen and regulated by the kidneys.
Red Blood Cells
Erythrocytes
Carry oxygen to tissues by hemoglobin which attaches to RBC to keep tissues oxygenated. Also carries carbon dioxide away from tissues back to lungs.
A hematocrit test measures what proportion of blood is composed of RBC. Drawn blood is put through a centrifuge and spun so blood separates. Then the RBC are measured.
A hemoglobin test measures the hemoglobin levels of blood. Doctors draw blood to measure hemoglobin levels.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
Iron Deficiency: Not enough hemoglobin in the RBC to carry oxygen.
Treatments: Iron supplements with Vitamin C or on an empty stomach, but not with anti-acids
Hemolytic: Occurs when RBC die quicker than the red bone marrow can replace them.
Treatments: Blood filtering, transfusion, removing of the spleen
Hemorrhagic: Anemia caused by loss of a lot of blood.
Treatments: Iron supplements or blood transfusion
Sickle Cell: Misshapen RBC caused by deformed hemoglobin that causes RBC to die prematurely.
Treatments: Blood transfusion, folic acid supplements, oxygen, and pain-relieving drugs or antibiotics like Hydroxurea.
Pernicious: Shortage of B-12 due to intestine infection or lacking diet
Treatmeants: Changes in diet, or supplement, or injections
Polycythemia
Treatments: Taking blood out of veins, asprin, hydroxyurea to inhibit, or Interferon Alpha will stimulate immune system to attack extra RBC.
White Blood Cells
Leukocytes
Have larger nuclear than RBC, engulf and digest foreign materials, can draw cells to area by chemical release, and can move through other tissues and cells.
Involved in immune system to keep the bacteria levels in our body normal, and to keep us healthy.
Granulocytes
Neutrophils
In acute bacterial infections
Highly Phagocytic
Eosinophils
Fights parasites
Breaks down antibody complex
Basophils
Found in inflammation
Contains Heparin- an anicoagulant
Agranulocytes
Lymphocytes:
Produce immunity
Live long and fight viruses, but non-phagocytic
Monocytes
7% of WBC
Highly phagocyticFound in chronic conditions
Leukopenia
Leukemia
Mononucleosis
Multiple Myeloma
Thrombocytes
Platelets
Cause blood to clot to stop bleeding.
Platelets gather at the bleeding site, then they stick to the edges; adhesion. Then they change shape and secret chemical messengers; activation. Lastly, they connect the bridges called aggregation. Then coagulation cascade forms a scab.
Hemophilia
Can be treated by injections of the lacking protein. Exercise is recommended to keep the body from bleeding in the first place.
Blood Thinners
Heparin- Prevents clotting before or after surgery.
Aspirin- Treats pain and fever, also reduces risk of heart attack
Plasma
Plasma
Liquid portion of the blood that allows blood to flow. Keeps electrolytes in balance and prevents infection. Contains proteins, hormones, glucose, and electolytes.
Why do people donate plasma?
Donors then receive $10-100
biblio
"Biolife Plasma Donations." Donate Plasma. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Blood Disorders (Anemia, Leukopenia, and Thrombocytopenia)." LifeExtension.com. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Haemophilia." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Leukemia." Treatments and Drugs. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Life: Magnified" Online." - National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Mono (mononucleosis)." Student Health Services Mononucleosis. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Multiple Myeloma: Facts on Prognosis, Treatment, and Stages." MedicineNet. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Skeletal System Information." Skeletal System Information. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.