BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Module 7 Comprehensive Exam | Portage
Learning LockDown
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SECTION I: BLOOD COMPOSITION AND HEMATOLOGY
1. Describe the components of whole blood and state the primary function of
each.
Answer: Whole blood consists of plasma and formed elements. Plasma
transports nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste products. Formed elements
include erythrocytes for oxygen transport, leukocytes for immune defense, and
platelets for clotting.
2. Explain the structure and function of hemoglobin.
Answer: Hemoglobin is a tetrameric protein composed of two alpha and two beta
globin chains, each containing a heme group with iron. It binds oxygen reversibly
for transport from lungs to tissues and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
3. Define hematocrit and explain its clinical significance.
Answer: Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood
cells. It is used to assess anemia, dehydration, and polycythemia.
4. Describe erythropoiesis and identify its hormonal regulation.
Answer: Erythropoiesis is the production of red blood cells in bone marrow,
stimulated primarily by erythropoietin released from the kidneys in response to
hypoxia.
, 5. Explain the life cycle of an erythrocyte.
Answer: RBCs are produced in red bone marrow, circulate for about 120 days,
then are removed by macrophages in the spleen and liver. Hemoglobin is broken
down into globin, iron (recycled), and bilirubin (excreted).
6. Differentiate between granulocytes and agranulocytes.
Answer: Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) contain cytoplasmic
granules and multilobed nuclei. Agranulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes) lack
visible granules and have simpler nuclei.
7. Describe the function of neutrophils in immune response.
Answer: Neutrophils are phagocytic cells that respond rapidly to infection, engulf
pathogens, and release antimicrobial substances.
8. Explain the role of platelets in hemostasis.
Answer: Platelets adhere to damaged vessels, form a platelet plug, and release
factors that initiate the coagulation cascade.
9. Outline the three major steps of hemostasis.
Answer: Vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.
10. Describe the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation.
Answer: The intrinsic pathway is activated by internal vessel damage and
involves clotting factors within blood. The extrinsic pathway is triggered by
external trauma and tissue factor release. Both converge at factor X activation.
11. Explain the role of vitamin K in coagulation.
Answer: Vitamin K is required for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in
the liver.
Module 7 Comprehensive Exam | Portage
Learning LockDown
------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION I: BLOOD COMPOSITION AND HEMATOLOGY
1. Describe the components of whole blood and state the primary function of
each.
Answer: Whole blood consists of plasma and formed elements. Plasma
transports nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste products. Formed elements
include erythrocytes for oxygen transport, leukocytes for immune defense, and
platelets for clotting.
2. Explain the structure and function of hemoglobin.
Answer: Hemoglobin is a tetrameric protein composed of two alpha and two beta
globin chains, each containing a heme group with iron. It binds oxygen reversibly
for transport from lungs to tissues and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
3. Define hematocrit and explain its clinical significance.
Answer: Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood
cells. It is used to assess anemia, dehydration, and polycythemia.
4. Describe erythropoiesis and identify its hormonal regulation.
Answer: Erythropoiesis is the production of red blood cells in bone marrow,
stimulated primarily by erythropoietin released from the kidneys in response to
hypoxia.
, 5. Explain the life cycle of an erythrocyte.
Answer: RBCs are produced in red bone marrow, circulate for about 120 days,
then are removed by macrophages in the spleen and liver. Hemoglobin is broken
down into globin, iron (recycled), and bilirubin (excreted).
6. Differentiate between granulocytes and agranulocytes.
Answer: Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) contain cytoplasmic
granules and multilobed nuclei. Agranulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes) lack
visible granules and have simpler nuclei.
7. Describe the function of neutrophils in immune response.
Answer: Neutrophils are phagocytic cells that respond rapidly to infection, engulf
pathogens, and release antimicrobial substances.
8. Explain the role of platelets in hemostasis.
Answer: Platelets adhere to damaged vessels, form a platelet plug, and release
factors that initiate the coagulation cascade.
9. Outline the three major steps of hemostasis.
Answer: Vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.
10. Describe the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation.
Answer: The intrinsic pathway is activated by internal vessel damage and
involves clotting factors within blood. The extrinsic pathway is triggered by
external trauma and tissue factor release. Both converge at factor X activation.
11. Explain the role of vitamin K in coagulation.
Answer: Vitamin K is required for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in
the liver.
