Question 1: Define plasma and describe its primary functions in blood.

Answer: Plasma is the pale yellow liquid component of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, waste products, and maintains blood pressure and pH balance.

Question 2: Explain the role of red blood cells in oxygen transport.

Answer: Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body.

Question 3: What are the main components of blood? List all four primary components.

Answer: The main components of blood are plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Question 1: If an average adult has approximately 5 liters of blood, and plasma constitutes about 55% of blood volume, calculate the volume of plasma in liters.

Answer: Volume of plasma = 5 L × 0.55 = 2.75 liters

Question 2: A blood sample contains 15 grams of hemoglobin per 100 mL of blood. How many grams of hemoglobin are in 3 liters of blood?

Answer: Total grams = (15 g / 100 mL) × 3000 mL = 450 grams

Question 1: Describe a basic procedure for collecting a blood sample safely for laboratory analysis.

Answer: Use sterile equipment, wear gloves, disinfect the skin, and follow proper disposal protocols to ensure safety and prevent contamination.

Question 2: Identify two variables that could affect the accuracy of a blood composition test.

Answer: Variables include the volume of blood drawn and the timing of sample processing.

Question 1: A blood sample shows the following components: plasma 55%, red blood cells 45%, white blood cells and platelets combined 0.5%. Explain what these percentages indicate about normal blood composition.

Answer: These percentages reflect typical proportions in healthy blood, with plasma being the majority, red blood cells forming the largest cellular component, and white blood cells and platelets present in small amounts.

Question 1: Describe how the composition of blood varies in individuals with anemia, and explain how this affects oxygen transport.

Answer: In anemia, the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin is reduced, leading to decreased oxygen carrying capacity. This results in symptoms like fatigue and weakness, and requires medical intervention to restore normal blood composition.

Question 1: Explain how understanding blood composition is important in blood transfusions and why blood type matching is critical.

Answer: Knowing blood composition ensures compatibility and prevents adverse reactions during transfusions. Blood type matching is critical to avoid immune rejection due to incompatible antigens.