Oxygen red blood cells

Carbon monoxide is a clear, tasteless, odorless gas that is produced from incomplete combustion. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches fatigue dizziness nausea permanent damage to the brain, central nervous system, and heart and even death by reducing the amount of oxygen red blood cells carry. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with heart or respiratory problems are most susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. Because you can t see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, it has to be tested for with a monitor or an alarm, which are now legally required in many states. 

Red Blood Cells. Red blood cells (RBC) transport and deUver oxygen and carbon dioxide between the tissues and lungs. Red blood cell transfusions iacrease the oxygen carrying capacity ia anemic patieats. 

The presence of hemoglohin-S (Hb-S) ia red blood cells leads to the formation of Hquid crystalline aggregates iaside the ceU under conditions of low oxygen tension (43,44). The morbid aggregates ultimately arrange themselves iato a gel-like material composed of long fibers that extend the entire length of the ceU and distort its usual shape. 

Hemoglobin The protein in red blood cells that binds with and transports oxygen. 

Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs), a decrease in die amount of hemoglobin in RBCs, or bodi a decrease in die number of RBCs and hemoglobin. When diere is an insufficient amount of hemoglobin to deliver oxygen to die tissues, anemia exists. There are various types and causes of anemia For example, anemia can be die result of blood loss, excessive destruction of RBCs, inadequate production of RBCs, and deficits in various nutrients, such as in iron deficiency anemia Once the type and cause have been identified, die primary health care provider selects a method of treatment. 

FIGURE 19.18 Sickle-shaped red blood cells form when only one amino acid (glutamic acid) in a polypeptide chain is replaced by another amino acid (valine). These cells are less able to take up oxygen than normal cells. 

The progenitor cells of the kidney produce 90% of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production. Reduction in nephron mass decreases renal production of EPO, which is the primary cause of anemia in patients with CKD. The development of anemia of CKD results in decreased oxygen delivery and utilization, leading to increased cardiac output and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which increase the cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with CKD. 

Diphosphoglycerate A compound in red blood cells that affects oxygen binding to and release from hemoglobin. 

Red blood cells owe their color to the iron complex heme, a component of hemoglobin. This provides the human body with oxygen, right up to the finest capillary. In the absence of oxygen, the blood goes dark red (venous blood). 

This entire reaction is reversed when the blood reaches the lungs. Because carbon dioxide is eliminated by ventilation, the reaction is pulled to the left. Bicarbonate ions diffuse back into the red blood cells. The hemoglobin releases the hydrogen ions and is now available to load up with oxygen. The bicarbonate ions combine with the hydrogen ions to form carbonic acid, which then dissociates into carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide diffuses down its concentration gradient from the blood into the alveoli and is exhaled. A summary of the three mechanisms by which carbon dioxide is transported in the blood is illustrated in Figure 17.8. 

Arsine affects the ability of the blood system to carry oxygen by destroying red blood cells. The lack of oxygen rapidly affects all body tissues, especially the central nervous system. Arsine may also affect the kidneys, liver, and heart. Most deaths related to arsine exposure are believed to be secondary to acute renal failure. Arsine is carcinogenic. 

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