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Exercise 6
BLOOD
Blood is a fluid connective tissue that circulates through the cardiovascular system. Like other connective
tissue, it also consists of cells and an extracellular material that is a protein-rich fluid called plasma.
Total blood volume in the average adult is about 6 L or 7% to 8% of total body weight. The pumping action
of the heart propels about five liters of blood in an average adult through the cardiovascular system to the
body tissues in unidirectional manner.
The blood serves many functions in the body which include delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells,
transport of wastes and carbon dioxide away from cells, delivery of hormones and other regulatory
substances to and from cells and tissues, maintenance of homeostasis by acting as a buffer and
participating in coagulation and thermoregulation, and transport of humoral agents and cells of the
immune system.
Photomicrograph of smear from peripheral blood stained with Wright’s
stain, showing the cells evenly distributed. The cells are mainly
erythrocytes. Three leukocytes are present. Platelets are indicated by
arrows. X350.
Blood cells or so-called formed elements suspended in the plasma are erythrocytes (red blood cells),
leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets).
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Scanning electron micrograph of blood clot. High-magnification
scanning electron micrograph shows initialstage of blood clot
formation. Red blood cells are entrapped in aloose mesh of fibrin fibers
that are extensively cross-linked to formimpermmable hemostatic plug
that prevents movement of cellsand fluids from the lumen of the
injured vessel. _1,600.(Copyright Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.)
For laboratory purposes, samples of blood are often drawn from a vein through the procedure called
venipuncture. When blood is removed from the circulation, plasma proteins react with one another
immediately creating clots. A blood clot consists mostly of erythrocytes entangled in a network of fine
fibers composed of fibrin and a yellowish liquid called serum. To prevent clotting of a blood sample, an
anticoagulant such as citrate or heparin is added to the blood specimen. Citrate binds calcium ions, which
are essential for triggering the cascade of coagulation reactions; heparin deactivates the clotting factors in
the plasma. Anticoagulated blood samples can be separated by centrifugation into layers that reflect its
heterogeneity.
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1. Draw the different blood cells that can be seen in a peripheral blood smear.
Erythrocyte
Platelet
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Basophil Neutrophil
Eosinophil
Monocyte Lymphocyte
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Review Questions
1. What is hemopoieses? Discuss the site of hemopoiesis from fetal months to adult.
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2. Give the functions of the following blood cells:
a. red blood cells
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b. white blood cells
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c. platelets
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3. Name the two types of bone marrow and compare them in terms of:
a. hematopoietic activity
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b. relative number of adipocytes
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c. the most abundant form in infants and in adults
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d. sites in the body where they occur in adults
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