Composition of Blood Blood has two major components: Plasma- The liquid matrix of the blood Made up of approximately 92% water Electrolytes- sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate. Nutrients- Glucose, lipids, amino acids. Blood gases- O,CO2,N Regulatory substances- hormones and enzymes. 2. Formed Elements Red blood cells (erythrocytes) White blood cells (leukocytes) Platelets (thrombocytes)

Plasma Proteins Plasma Proteins make up about 7% of plasma and fall into 3 categories: Albumins- make up roughly 60% of all plasma proteins and are a major contributor of osmotic pressure. Globulins- make up 35% . Immunoglobulins are produced by lymphocytes and other globulins are produced by the liver. The nonimmune globulins serve as transport globulins for ions, hormones and other compounds. Fibrinogen- This is the largest protein but only comprises about 4% of plasma proteins. It participates in the clot formation when it is transformed into fibrin Blood plasma minus the fibrinogen and other clotting proteins is called serum.

Formed elements of the Blood

Blood Cell Smear Red blood cells (erythrocytes) do not contain a nucleus, an adaptation that allows cells to carry more of a protein called hemoglobin which gives the cells its red appearance and allows it to carry more oxygen or carbon dioxide. The center appears lighter because the cell is biconcave and therefore thinner in the center. Human white blood cells (leukocytes) contain a nucleus and functions more in immunity and defense.

Hemoglobin The structure of hemoglobin. a.) Hemoglobin consists of four globular protein subunits. Each molecule contains a single molecule of heme, a porphyrin ring surrounding a single iron molecule. It is the iron that reversibly binds to oxygen. b.) Shows the skeletal structure of hemoglobin.

ABO Blood Group

Symptoms of an erroneous transfusion

White Blood Cells Leukocytes or white blood cells can be classified as being either a granulocyte or agranulocyte based on if they have granules which stain in the cytoplasm. Granulocytes: Nuetrophils Eosinophils Basophils Agranulocytes: Monocytes Lymphocytes

Blood Clotting The structure of a blood clot. This scanning electron micrograph shows a network of fibrin fibers trapping red blood cells in the formation of a clot.

Hemopoiesis Hemopoiesis is the process of forming blood. Stem cells called pluripotent stem cells give rise to all blood cells.

What is hemophilia? Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process. People with this condition experience prolonged bleeding or oozing following an injury, surgery, or having a tooth pulled. In severe cases of hemophilia, continuous bleeding occurs after minor trauma or even in the absence of injury (spontaneous bleeding). Serious complications can result from bleeding into the joints, muscles, brain, or other internal organs. Milder forms of hemophilia do not necessarily involve spontaneous bleeding, and the condition may not become apparent until abnormal bleeding occurs following surgery or a serious injury.

Symptoms of Hemophilia

Types of Hemophilia The major types of this condition are: hemophilia A (also known as classic hemophilia or factor VIII deficiency) hemophilia B (also known as Christmas disease or factor IX deficiency). Although the two types have very similar signs and symptoms, they are caused by mutations in different genes. People with an unusual form of hemophilia B, known as hemophilia B Leyden, experience episodes of excessive bleeding in childhood but have few bleeding problems after puberty.

Blood Coagulation Pathway

How common is hemophilia? The two major forms of hemophilia occur much more commonly in males than in females. Hemophilia A is the most common type of the condition; 1 in 4,000 to 1 in 5,000 males worldwide are born with this disorder. Hemophilia B occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 newborn males worldwide.

Treatments for hemophilia The preferred treatment for hemophilia is factor replacement therapy. Hemophilia is treated by injecting the missing factor protein into the affected person’s vein. The injection makes the factor immediately available in the bloodstream and the body is able to activate it to continue the clotting cascade and stop the bleeding.  Many treatments are dependent upon the type of hemophilia being treated. Mild hemophilia A. Slow injection of the hormone desmopressin (DDAVP) into a vein can stimulate a release of more clotting factor to stop bleeding. Moderate to severe hemophilia A or hemophilia B .Bleeding may stop only after an infusion of recombinant clotting factor or clotting factor derived from donated human blood. Repeated infusions may be needed if internal bleeding is severe. Hemophilia C. Clotting factor XI, the factor missing in this type of hemophilia, is available only in Europe. In the United States, plasma infusions are needed to stop bleeding episodes.