Ch. 19 Blood

Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition

Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook

Amerman 2nd Edition

Ch. 19 Blood

Problem 7

Chapter 19, Problem 7

Anemia is defined as:
a. A decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
b. A decreased iron content of the blood.
c. Decreased bone marrow function.
d. Abnormalities in hemoglobin.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the definition of anemia. Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen to tissues, which can result from various underlying causes.

Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Each option describes a potential cause or characteristic of anemia. For example, decreased oxygen-carrying capacity (option a) is a hallmark feature of anemia.

Step 3: Consider the physiological basis of anemia. Oxygen-carrying capacity is primarily determined by hemoglobin levels and function. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for binding and transporting oxygen.

Step 4: Evaluate the other options. While decreased iron content (option b) can lead to anemia, it is not the definition of anemia itself. Similarly, decreased bone marrow function (option c) and abnormalities in hemoglobin (option d) are causes or contributors to anemia but do not define the condition.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct definition of anemia is option a: 'A decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood,' as this directly describes the primary characteristic of the condition.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxygen-Carrying Capacity

Oxygen-carrying capacity refers to the blood's ability to transport oxygen to tissues and organs. This capacity is primarily determined by the amount of hemoglobin present in red blood cells. Anemia, characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells, leads to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in fatigue and other symptoms.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, as iron is a critical component of hemoglobin. Without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen transport. This condition can arise from inadequate dietary intake, blood loss, or malabsorption issues, and it is often diagnosed through blood tests measuring ferritin and hemoglobin levels.

Bone Marrow Function

Bone marrow is the site of blood cell production, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Decreased bone marrow function can lead to various types of anemia, as the body may not produce enough red blood cells to meet its needs. Conditions affecting bone marrow, such as aplastic anemia or malignancies, can severely impact overall blood health and oxygen delivery.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Leukocytes are:

a. Nucleated cells that function in blood clotting

b. Nucleated cells that function in immunity

c. Anucleate cells that function in blood clotting

d. Anucleate cells that function in immunity

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Textbook Question

Lymphocytes are derived from the _____ cell line, whereas the other leukocytes are derived from the _____ cell line.

Textbook Question

Match the following leukocytes with the correct definition.

__Basophil

__B lymphocyte

__Neutrophil

__Monocyte

__T lymphocyte

__Eosinophil

a. Destroys bacteria; directly phagocytoses bacteria

b. Responds to parasitic worm infection and mediates the allergic response

c. Activates all parts of the immune response; directly kills cancer or virally infected cells

d. Secretes inflammatory mediators

e. Agranulocyte that matures into macrophage

f. Agranulocyte that secretes antibodies

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Textbook Question

Erythrocytes are derived from stem cells called____, circulate in the blood for approximately _______ days, and are destroyed by an organ called the _______.

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Textbook Question

Erythropoiesis requires stimulation from the hormone:

a. Thrombin

b. Thrombopoietin

c. Thymosin

d. Erythropoietin

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Hemoglobin consists of two polypeptide chains bound to a heme group.

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