Red Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells

Question 1. Properties of red blood cells.
Answer:

1. Rouleaux formation:

• On collection of blood, the RBCs pile up one above another.
• This is called rouleaux formation.
• This helps in determination of ESR.

“Understanding red blood cells through FAQs: Composition, functions, and uses explained”

2. Specific gravity:

• The specific gravity of RBC is 1.092 to 1.101.

3. Packed cell volume:

• When the blood is centrifuged with a proper anticoagulant, the RBCs settle at the proper anticoagulant, the RBCs settle at the bottom of the tube.
• This is called packed cell volume.

“Importance of studying red blood cells for medical students: Questions explained”

4. Suspension stability:

• During circulation, the RBCs remain uniformly suspended in the blood.

Question 2. Functions of RBC.
Answer:

1. Transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

• Oxygen combines with haemoglobin in RBC and is transported in blood.

2. Transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

• RBCs contains carbonic anhydrase which forms bicarbonate from water and carbon dioxide.
• Thus it helps to transport of carbon dioxide in the form of bicarbonate.

3. Buffering action.

• Hemoglobin in RBC regulates hydrogen ion concentration and hence maintains the pH balance of blood.

4. In determination of blood groups.

• RBC contains antigens which determine blood group.

“Common challenges in mastering red blood cell notes effectively: FAQs provided”

Question 3. Fate of Red Blood Cells.
Answer:

Life span of red blood cells in 120 days.

• After 120 days, their cell membrane becomes more fragile.
• Because of this fragility they fail to pass through the capillaries whose diameter is less or equal to that of RBC.
• Even if they try to squeeze out through these capillaries, they are destroyed.
• This destruction mainly occurs in spleen.
• This destroyed RBC is fragmented and haemoglobin is released.
• This haemoglobin is degraded into.
  1. Iron – combines with apoferritin, form ferritin and is stored in the body.
  2. Globin enters protein depot.
  3. Porphyrin- degrade to form bilirubin which is excreted by liver.