HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM
Erythroid cells or red blood cells (RBC’s) and leukocytes or white blood cells (WBC’s) are the main components circulating in the blood. RBC’s are red because the hemoglobin protein carries iron, and gives the cell a distinctive red color. The iron makes it easy to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. The average RBC lifespan is 120 days until it recycles down to the liver and exits through urine. Additionally, since the body can replenish itself, donating blood helps people in need whether if a disaster, disease, or blood type.
WBC’s on the other hand, help fight infections and sense any oncoming warning signs of sickness or foreign material. WBC’s are also categorized into different types; neutrophil, monocyte, basophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte. Neutrophils are found at the site of infections and paired with macrophages (cell-eating). Monocytes are the same as neutrophils only larger. Basophils produce antibodies. Eosinophils attack parasites in the bloodstream and lymphocytes help the body develop immunity.
To help the WBC’s during wounds and cuts, platelets help clot the area. Platelets are colorless, irregularly shaped, and sticky. These clotting bodies react when exposed to air and are the result from bruises.
Speaking of damaged skin; lymph is a sticky, colorless fluid seen at the site of blisters. Lymph is an essential part of the blood and helps clear away debris. Lymph also is in the spleen to create more white blood cells; two examples are the tonsils and adenoids (located in the nasal cavity).
As the picture depicts below, blood types were discovered by an Austrian scientist named Karl Landsteiner. Winning a Noble Prize, he microscopically saw the differences on various blood cells. Blood type ‘A’ only has A antigens, the same goes for blood type ‘B’ only having B antigens, hence the naming of blood types. A cell that exhibited both antigens was called ‘AB.’ A cell that had no antigens was called ‘O.’ The Rh (Rhesus) factor just tells if blood is positive or negative.
Franklin Institute: Blood
http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/blood/red.html
Erythroid cells or red blood cells (RBC’s) and leukocytes or white blood cells (WBC’s) are the main components circulating in the blood. RBC’s are red because the hemoglobin protein carries iron, and gives the cell a distinctive red color. The iron makes it easy to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. The average RBC lifespan is 120 days until it recycles down to the liver and exits through urine. Additionally, since the body can replenish itself, donating blood helps people in need whether if a disaster, disease, or blood type.
WBC’s on the other hand, help fight infections and sense any oncoming warning signs of sickness or foreign material. WBC’s are also categorized into different types; neutrophil, monocyte, basophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte. Neutrophils are found at the site of infections and paired with macrophages (cell-eating). Monocytes are the same as neutrophils only larger. Basophils produce antibodies. Eosinophils attack parasites in the bloodstream and lymphocytes help the body develop immunity.
To help the WBC’s during wounds and cuts, platelets help clot the area. Platelets are colorless, irregularly shaped, and sticky. These clotting bodies react when exposed to air and are the result from bruises.
Speaking of damaged skin; lymph is a sticky, colorless fluid seen at the site of blisters. Lymph is an essential part of the blood and helps clear away debris. Lymph also is in the spleen to create more white blood cells; two examples are the tonsils and adenoids (located in the nasal cavity).
As the picture depicts below, blood types were discovered by an Austrian scientist named Karl Landsteiner. Winning a Noble Prize, he microscopically saw the differences on various blood cells. Blood type ‘A’ only has A antigens, the same goes for blood type ‘B’ only having B antigens, hence the naming of blood types. A cell that exhibited both antigens was called ‘AB.’ A cell that had no antigens was called ‘O.’ The Rh (Rhesus) factor just tells if blood is positive or negative.
Franklin Institute: Blood
http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/blood/red.html
WELL LOOKY HERE......
PubMed: Reproductive health choices for young adults with sickle cell disease or trait: randomized controlled trial immediate post-test effects.
People with sickle cell disease (SCD) or have a sickle cell trait (SCT) were split into groups to test their knowledge about how dangerous reproducing with this disease has major consequences. The tests showed their understanding and precautions.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23995469
Quizlet: Hematology
This Quizlet has over 15 different quizzes to test your brain power on blood!
http://quizlet.com/subject/hematology-quiz-nursing/
PubMed: Reproductive health choices for young adults with sickle cell disease or trait: randomized controlled trial immediate post-test effects.
People with sickle cell disease (SCD) or have a sickle cell trait (SCT) were split into groups to test their knowledge about how dangerous reproducing with this disease has major consequences. The tests showed their understanding and precautions.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23995469
Quizlet: Hematology
This Quizlet has over 15 different quizzes to test your brain power on blood!
http://quizlet.com/subject/hematology-quiz-nursing/
SOURCES
- "Blood." : Red Cells. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2013.
- DJ, WILKIE, ZHAO Z, and GALLO AM. "Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2013.
- "Quizlet." Search › Hematology Quiz Nursing. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2013.
- "Stock Photos and Royalty Free Images from 123RF Stock Photography." 123RF Stock Photos. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2013.