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Ch. 10 Blood
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 10 BloodProblem 2
Chapter 10, Problem 2

More than one choice may apply.
In a person with sickle cell anemia, sickling of RBCs can be induced by
a. Blood loss
b. Vigorous exercise
c. Stress
d. Fever

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the condition: Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder where red blood cells (RBCs) become misshapen (sickle-shaped) under certain conditions, leading to reduced oxygen transport and potential blockages in blood vessels.
Identify the triggers: Sickling of RBCs is often induced by situations that lower oxygen levels or increase metabolic demand, such as hypoxia, dehydration, or acidosis.
Analyze each option: Evaluate how each factor (blood loss, vigorous exercise, stress, fever) could contribute to conditions that promote sickling. For example, blood loss can reduce oxygen delivery, vigorous exercise increases oxygen demand, stress can lead to physiological changes like increased cortisol, and fever can cause dehydration and metabolic stress.
Relate physiological mechanisms: Connect each trigger to the underlying mechanisms of sickling. For instance, blood loss reduces oxygen availability, vigorous exercise increases oxygen consumption, stress can exacerbate hypoxia, and fever can lead to dehydration, all of which can promote sickling.
Conclude based on evidence: Determine which options are valid triggers for sickling based on their ability to create conditions that favor the polymerization of hemoglobin S, the abnormal hemoglobin responsible for sickle cell anemia.

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Key Concepts

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

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S. This abnormality causes red blood cells (RBCs) to become rigid and shaped like a sickle or crescent, leading to blockages in blood vessels, pain, and various complications. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing the triggers that can induce sickling.
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Triggers of Sickle Cell Crisis

Certain conditions can precipitate a sickle cell crisis, where sickling of RBCs occurs. These triggers include dehydration, high altitude, extreme temperatures, and physical or emotional stress. Recognizing these factors is essential for managing sickle cell anemia and preventing painful episodes.
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Physiological Responses to Stressors

The body responds to various stressors, such as vigorous exercise, fever, or emotional stress, by altering blood flow and oxygen delivery. In individuals with sickle cell anemia, these physiological changes can lead to increased sickling of RBCs, exacerbating symptoms and complications. Understanding these responses helps in identifying potential risks for patients.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of the following is not typical of leukocytes?

a. Amoeboid movement

b. Phagocytic (some)

c. Nucleated cells

d. The most numerous cells in the bloodstream

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Polycythemia vera will result in

a. Overproduction of WBCs

b. Exceptionally high blood volume

c. Abnormally high blood viscosity

d. Abnormally low hematocrit

3
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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which would lead to increased erythropoiesis?

a. Chronic bleeding ulcer

b. Reduction in respiratory ventilation

c. Decreased level of physical activity

d. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply. A child is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. This means that

a. One parent had sickle cell anemia.

b. One parent carried the sickle cell gene.

c. Both parents had sickle cell anemia.

d. Both parents carried the sickle cell gene.

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