Blood

Composition and Function Regulates pH and electrolyte levels Supplies cells with nutrients and oxygen Manufacture substances needed for defense against bacteria Ability to change from liquid to gel in clot formation for injury repair Classified into: Formed elements Plasma

Formed Elements Red blood cells (erythrocytes)  oxygen transport via hemoglobin White blood cells (leukocytes)  phagocytes, scavenger cells that destroy foreign substances Eosinophils Basophils – release histamine Platelets  injury mediators / blood clotting Normal bleeding time 0-7 min

White Blood Cells

Hematocrit Equivalent to the RBC concentration in the blood Used to determine possible anemia Can you still be anemic with a normal RBC concentration? Yes

Hemoglobin RBC protein responsible for oxygen transport Measuring the hemoglobin can give you information on oxygen carrying capacity of the blood

Cholesterol is carried in the blood Atherosclerosis: disease in which blood vessels become increasingly occluded or blocked by plaques High cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis Normal value: is 130-200 mg per 100 ml of blood Good vs Bad Cholesterol HDL vs LDL

Blood Typing – ABO & RH Blood type is genetically inherited Based on the type of antigen marker molecules on surface of blood cells Rh surface antigen (D antigen)  some people have it, some do not

RhoGAM