COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC
SYSTEM
• Composition of blood
– 92% water and 8% solutes
– 6 quarts (5.5 L)
– Plasma
• 50% to 55% of the blood volume
• Aqueous liquid with organic and inorganic (electrolytes) elemen
...
COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC
SYSTEM
• Composition of blood
– 92% water and 8% solutes
– 6 quarts (5.5 L)
– Plasma
• 50% to 55% of the blood volume
• Aqueous liquid with organic and inorganic (electrolytes) elements
– Serum
• Plasma that has been allowed to clot to remove fibrinogen (may
interfere with diagnostic tests)
COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC
SYSTEM (CONT’D)
• Composition of blood
– Plasma proteins
• 7% of the plasma total weight
• Majority are synthesized in the liver
– Except immunoglobulins (made by plasma cells)
• Albumins
– Function as carriers; control plasma oncotic pressure
• Globulins
– Carrier proteins and immunoglobulins (Ig) (antibodies), primarily IgG
• Clotting factors
– Mainly fibrinogen
COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC
SYSTEM (CONT’D)
• Composition of blood
– Plasma proteins by function
• Clotting
– Fibrinogen and fibrin
– Promotes coagulation and stops
bleeding
• Defense
– Antibodies
– Complement
• Transport
– Proteins bind and carry;
lipoproteins
• Regulation
– Enzymatic inhibitors
– Precursor molecules
– Helps communicate: Cytokines
• Composition of blood
– Cellular components
• Red blood cells (RBCs):
Erythrocytes
• White blood cells (WBCs):
Leukocytes
• Platelets: Thrombocytes
COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC
SYSTEM (CONT’D)
• Erythrocytes
– Are the most abundant cells of the blood (48% in men; 42% in
women).
– Are responsible for tissue oxygenation.
– Contain hemoglobin.
– Have biconcavity and reversible deformity.
• Biconcavity: Shape provides a surface area and volume ratio that are
optimal for gas diffusion and deformity.
• Reversible deformity: Enables the erythrocyte to assume a more
compact torpedo-like shape, squeeze through the microcirculation, and
return to normal.
– Have a 120-day life cycle.
COMPONENTS OF THE HEMATOLOGIC
SYSTEM (CONT’D)
• Leukocytes
– Defend the body against infection, and remove debris
– Normal level: 5000 to 10,000 cells/mm3
– Granulocytes: Phagocytes
• Contain many granules in c
[Show More]