Lab2:Blood

Activity 1: Observing Your Own Blood

Questions:

A. What are the components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma

B. What is the function of red blood cells?

They carry oxygen around the body.

C. List the five types of leukocytes and describe the function of each.

A. Neutrophils- are white blood cells. They are the most numerous of all leukocytes. They are

the first responders to infections. When bacteria are found, neutrophils will surround the bacteria

and kill it, often dying in the process.

B. Monocytes- help with immune defense and rebuild damaged tissue. They also produce

proteins for the body and antigens, which stimulate antibody production.

C. Eosinophils- are white blood cells that protect the body by killing and swallowing bacteria.

If the eosinophil cannot enlarge enough to engulf the bacteria, it will attach itself and kill the

organism.

D. Basophils- increase in numbers when the body has an infection, accumulating at the site of

infection. They discharge serotonins and histamines to help increase blood flow and decrease

inflammation.

E. Lymphocytes- help the body's immune system. They consist of B and T cells. B cells release

antibodies into the body's fluids, while T cells directly attack viruses.

D. What did you learn making a blood smear slide?

Activity 2: Blood Typing

Observations: What is your blood and Rh type?

Questions:

A. Describe how the ABO blood typing system works.

In the ABO blood type, there are two main antigens, A and B. A type has the A antigen, B type

B antigen, O none, and AB both the A and B antigen. Thus, O is a universal donor due to its

lack of antigens and AB is a universal recipient due to the fact that it has both antigens.

B. Why is it important for everyone to know their own blood type?

It is important to know ones blood type in the event that oneself or a family member is need of a

blood transfusion or organ transplant.

C. Describe what would happen if type A blood were transfused into a person with type B

blood.

When the type A person receives a transfusion from the type B person, the anti-B antibodies will

attack the incoming B antigen laced blood cells, marking it for removal by the rest of the immune

system.

D. What happens in the blood of an Rh-negative individual who is exposed to Rh-positive

blood?

The body will produce the anti D- antibodies which are going to attack the RH+ blood of the donor

Activity 3: Review of Blood

1. Log onto the Hands-On Labs Website and click on exercise 2.

2. Click on the link “Get Body Smart”.

3. Click on the “Circulatory System”.

4. Review each of the following modules: Introduction to the blood, Red Blood Cells, White

Blood Cells, and Coagulation.

5. Explain how the various elements found in blood work together to provide a unified

function for the body.

Conclusion: Describe how leukemia affects the functional capacity of the blood.