Blood Basics
This is the classification of blood based on its tissue type.
What is a fluid connective tissue?
These cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What are erythrocytes (red blood cells)?
This element in hemoglobin directly binds oxygen.
What is iron (Fe²⁺)?
This is the overall process that stops bleeding.
What is hemostasis?
These molecules on red blood cells determine blood type.
What are antigens (agglutinogens)?
This is the primary function of blood that allows the body to maintain homeostasis.
What is transport?
These cell fragments are essential for stopping blood loss.
What are platelets (thrombocytes)?
Mature RBCs lack a nucleus and organelles for this functional advantage.
What is maximizing space for hemoglobin and oxygen transport?
This step involves smooth muscle contraction and reduces blood flow.
What is vascular spasm?
This blood type has both A and B antigens but no antibodies.
What is AB?
This component makes up about 55% of whole blood and is 90% water.
What is plasma?
These cells defend the body by recognizing and attacking foreign substances.
What are leukocytes (white blood cells)?
Explain why RBCs can squeeze through capillaries without rupturing.
What is because their biconcave shape increases flexibility?
This step occurs when platelets adhere to damaged tissue and each other.
What is platelet plug formation?
This blood type produces both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
What is Type O?
This layer contains leukocytes and platelets and makes up less than 1% of whole blood.
What is the buffy coat?
This protein makes up 97% of the internal contents of mature red blood cells.
What is hemoglobin?
Predict what would happen to oxygen delivery if RBCs were spherical instead of biconcave.
What is reduced oxygen exchange and impaired circulation?
This protein forms a mesh that stabilizes the clot by providing a protein-based mesh-like structure.
What is fibrin?
Explain why Rh- individuals can only receive Rh- blood.
What is because they will produce anti-Rh antibodies if exposed to Rh antigens?
Blood regulates body temperature, pH, and fluid volume. These functions fall under this broader category.
What is regulation?
This structural feature of RBCs increases surface area and flexibility for gas exchange.
What is a flattened biconcave shape?
Explain why most blood cells must be replaced continuously throughout life.
What is because most blood cells cannot divide and have limited lifespans?
Which step of hemostasis would fail first if platelets were absent, and why?
What is platelet plug formation, because platelets are required to form the initial seal?
Why do the A/B blood group and Rh factor result in 8 possible blood types?
What is because they are determined by different genes that assort independently?