Blood and blood related diseases

 

 BLOOD  AND ITS COMPONENTS 

The human cardiovascular system is made up of two different parts: (1) the heart, which pumps blood into the pulmonary circulation for gas exchange and into the systemic circulation to supply the body tissues, and (2) the blood vessels, which include the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. The blood that circulatesthrough the cardiovascular system is made up of the following elements.

The Blood 

Blood is a constantly circulating fluid that supplies nutrition, oxygen, and waste removal to the body. Blood is mostly liquid, with many cells and proteins suspended in it, making it "thicker" than pure water. The average person has 5 liters (more than a gallon) of blood.

Blood is usually seen as a powerful connective tissue that circulates through the arteries to the body's tissues before returning to the heart via the veins. When blood is "spun down" in a centrifuge tube, RBCs settle to the bottom and account for about 45 percent of the total blood volume. This is known as the hematocrit, and it typically ranges from 40% to 50% in males and 35% to 45 percent in females depending on the individual. The next layer is a "bufy coat," which accounts for slightly less than 1% of blood volume and contains WBCs (leukocytes) and platelets. The remaining 55% of blood volume is plasma, which contains water, plasma proteins, clotting factors, and various solutes (serum is plasma with the clotting factors removed).

COMPONENTS OF THE BLOOD 

• Platelets.

• White blood cells (WBCs).

• Red blood cells (RBCs).

• Plasma.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BLOOD 

 The functions of blood may include the following:

•Transport of dissolved gases, nutrients, metabolic waste products, and hormones to and from tissues.

• Prevention of luid loss via clotting mechanisms. • Immune defense.

• Regulation of pH and electrolyte balance.

• hermoregulation through blood vessel constriction and dilation.

Diseases of the blood 

The following are disease conditions that may affect mammalian blood and causes sickness in humans: 

• Hemorrhage (bleeding): Blood leaking from blood vessels, such as from a wound penetrating the skin, can be visible. Internal bleeding (such as into the intestines or after a car accident) may not be visible right away. 
• Hematoma: A collection of blood within the tissues of the body. A hematoma is frequently caused by internal bleeding. 
  
  
  
• Leukemia is a type of blood cancer in which white blood cells multiply abnormally and circulate in the bloodstream. The abnormal white blood cells make it easier to become ill from infections than usual.
• Multiple myeloma: is a type of plasma cell blood cancer that is similar to leukemia. Multiple myeloma is associated with anemia, kidney failure, and high blood calcium levels.
• Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer in which white blood cells proliferate abnormally within lymph nodes and other tissues. Organ failure can occur as a result of enlarging tissues and disruption of blood functions.
• Anemia is characterized by an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the blood. Anemia can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, but it is often asymptomatic. 
• Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia caused by the rapid bursting of a large number of red blood cells (hemolysis). One cause is a malfunctioning immune system. 
• Hemochromatosis is a condition in which there is an excess of iron in the blood. Iron accumulates in the liver, pancreas, and other organs, resulting in liver problems and diabetes. 
• Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition in which red blood cells lose their proper shape on a regular basis (appearing like sickles, rather than discs). The deformed blood cells cause pain and organ damage by accumulating in tissues.
• Bacteremia is a blood infection caused by bacteria. Blood infections are serious and frequently necessitate hospitalization as well as continuous antibiotic infusions into the veins. 
• Malaria is caused by Plasmodium, a parasite transmitted by mosquitos, infecting red blood cells. Malaria causes intermittent fevers, chills, and, in some cases, organ damage. 
• Thrombocytopenia is characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood. Bleeding can occur as a result of severe thrombocytopenia.
• Leukopenia is characterized by an abnormally low number of white blood cells in the blood. Leukopenia can make it difficult to fight infections. 
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an uncontrolled process of bleeding and clotting in small blood vessels. DIC is typically caused by severe infections or cancer. 
• Hemophilia: An inherited (genetic) lack of specific blood clotting proteins. Hemophilia can cause frequent or uncontrollable bleeding. 
• Hypercoagulable state: A variety of conditions can cause the blood to clot. A heart attack, stroke, or blood clots in the legs or lungs are possible outcomes.