Anatomy

Connective tissue derived from mesoderm. Consists of plasma.

Liquid matrix containing dissolved ions and molecules along with suspended cells and cell fragments.

• 91.5% water
• 8.5% solutes

88% of solutes in plasma are plasma proteins, most synthesized by the liver

Fluid which passes out of plasma and bathes cells of all tissues. Nutrients and oxygen delivered to cells. Wastes are carried away from cells.

transportation: nutrients, wastes, hormones, heat

regulation: pH, body temperature, osmotic pressure

protection: clotting, immune system components

Albumins 54% of plasma proteins

Globulins 38%

Fibrinogen 7%

Other solutes: electrolytes, nutrients, wastes, gases, hormones

• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets

% of blood volume occupied by red blood cells

• normal males: 40-54%
• normal females: 38-46%

Low red blood cell count

High red blood cell count

Blood doping: (transfusion of RBC) polycythemia to increase athletic performance

A glycoprotein hormone that controls erythropoiesis, or red blood cell production. It is a cytokine for erythrocyte (red blood cell) precursors in the bone marrow.Also called hematopoietin or hemopoietin, it is produced by the peritubular capillary endothelial cells in the kidney and liver, it is the hormone that regulates red blood cell production. It also has other known biological functions. For example, erythropoietin plays an important role in the brain's response to neuronal injury.[1] EPO is also involved in the wound healing process.[2]

A synthetic form of erythropoietin. It stimulates erythropoiesis (increases red blood cell levels) and is used to treat anemia, commonly associated with chronic renal failure and cancer chemotherapy.

Formation of blood cells.

• Begins in yolk sac, moves to liver and spleen,
• last 3 months before birth forms in red bone marrow