Blood Physiology
Independent Project: Blood Physiology
Results:
Test Results Person used
Blood Hematocrit 42.4% Eileen
Hemoglobin Determination 6.5 Josh
Blood cell counting
RBC
WBC
3.88x106
8.00x102 Josh
Blood typing O+ Eileen
Oxyhemoglobin spectrum Results attached Josh
Questions:
What is anemia? Which blood measurements provide information on a possible anemic condition?
Anemia is a condition in which the ability of the blood to transport oxygen is reduced. This can be caused by a decrease in the number or size of the red cells, or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hematocrit level, blood hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, RBC size and percent hemoglobin per cell are all measured in order accurately diagnose a possible anemic condition and its cause.
Briefly explain the function of the following in erythrogenesis:
Vitamin B12: maintains normal nerve activity and RBC levels, helps in making DNA; Hydrochloric acid release B12 during digestion and it combines with the intrinsic factor
Erythropoietin: hormone response for erythrogenesis
Iron: acts as the building block, prevents/treats vitamin deficiency
Intrinsic Factor: promotes absorption into the blood stream
Polycthemia (excess number of red blood cells) occurs in patients with chronic emphysema. Explain the mechanism responsible for this response.
In emphysema there is damage to the pulmonary capillary bed. The body responds by decreasing ventilation and increasing cardiac output. This mismatch results in rapid circulation in a poorly ventilated lung leading to polycthemia.
How does hemoglobin carry both oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood?
Hemoglobin in red blood cells entering the lungs has CO2 bound to it. In the lungs, O2 concentrations are high and CO2 concentrations are low. Hemoglobin...
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