A & P Review
Cellular component of blood consists of 3 types:
1. Erythrocytes AKA red blood cells
2. Leukocytes AKA white blood cells
3. Thrombocytes AKA platelets
Erythrocytes
Consist mainly of hemoglobin. This hemoglobin contains iron.
What is the principle function of erythrocytes?
- Carry oxygen throughout the body
Bone Marrow
So, what happen in the bone marrow?
- Blood cells are produced
- hematopoiesis
Red Blood Cell Disorders
- Polycythemia is an excess of RBCs
- Anemia is a decrease in the number of RBCs evidenced by a low hemoglobin concentration.
- Anemia can be the result of several abnormal conditions
1. Decreased production
a. Iron deficiency
b. B12 deficiency
c. Decreased erythropoietin production (as with renal disease)
d. Cancer
2. Bleeding
a. GI, GU, trauma, etc.
3. Hemolysis (RBC destruction)
a. Altered erythropoiesis (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, etc.)
b. Hypersplenism
c. Drug-induced anemia
d. Autoimmune anemia
e. Mechanical heart-valve
Why are patients with kidney disease anemic?
- EPO PRODUCTION ADD PICTURE
Clinical Manifestations of Anemia
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes (conjunctiva, oral mucosa)
- Jaundiced with hemolytic anemias
What about cardiac manifestations?
- Increase blood pressure (trying to get oxygen to tissues)
- May have other symptoms such as GI & neurologic based on underlying cause of anemia.
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