Hematology

**BLOOD**

In chapter 13 we learned about blood, heart and circulation. We learned of the functions of the circulatory system. The functions of blood include transport of respiratory gases, nutritive molecules, metabolic wastes, and hormones. Blood travels through the body in a system of vessels leading from and returning to the heart. The functions of the circulatory system include transportation, regulation, and protection. The blood is composed of formed elements that are suspended and carried in a fluid called plasma. The formed elements include erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets- function, respectively, in oxygen transport, immune defense, and blood clotting. We were able to test our hemoglobin and find out what blood type we are in lab. This is done by using the system of blood typing.

Red blood cell antigens and blood typing.

There are certain molecules on the surfaces of all the surfaces of all cells in the body that can be recognized as foreign by the immune system of another person. These molecules are known as antigens. As part of the immune response, particular lymphocytes secrete a class of proteins called antibodies that bond in a specific fashion with antigens. Red blood cell antigens must match to ensure the match between donor and recipient blood transfer.

ABO SYSTEM

Each person's blood type A, B, or O denotes the antigens present on the red blood cell surface, which are the products of the genes that code for theses antigens. Each individual inherits 2 genes, one from each parent. These genes control the production of ABO antigens. The genes A and B are dominant to O. The gene O is recessive because it does not code for A or B. Type O may be given to A, B, AB or O blood type because type O red blood cells lack A and B antigens and it will not cause agglutination.


 * Blood type || Antigens || Antibodies || Can give blood to (Donor) || Can receive blood from ||
 * AB || A & B || None || A, B || A, AB, B, O ||
 * A || A || B || A & AB || A & O ||
 * B || B || A || B & AB || B & O ||
 * O || None || A & B || AB, A, B, O || O ||

Universal Recipients: The AB blood group contains no antibodies. It can receive any kind of blood. Universal Donor: Type O has no antigens so they can give blood to anyone.

Cross Match: Before transfusions are performed a major cross match is made by mixing serum from the recipent with blood cells from the donor. If the types do not match, the recipient's antibodies attach to the donor's red blood cells and from bridges that cause the cells to clump together or agglutination. Transfusion errors that result in blockage of small blood vessels and cause hemolysis, which can cause damage of the kidneys and other organs.

This is a great illustration of everything I have put in this page. http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biology-ii/transportation/blood-groups-compatibility.php [|Blood Compatibility]


 * Personal Application:** How this applies to me in my real life is that I never knew my blood type before this and it was a great learning experience. Depending on who you speak to and what research you do certain blood types are more likely for certain disease and allergies. I really enjoyed the lab and finding out my blood type and percentage of hemoglobin. Although I will not be directly working with people in taking or giving blood it is information that I can pass on to my patients and is also helpful to myself to know my body.

In used the textbook for information that was covered in this page. Human Physiology by Stuart Ira Fox