Blood Physiology

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. classify the composition and functions of blood; 2. enumerate plasma proteins, albumin, globulin fibrinogen, and their functions; 3. explain red blood cells formation, erythropoiesis, hemoglobin and iron metabolism; 4. discuss various types of anaemia; 5. identify blood indices in various disorders, thalassemia; 6. describe white blood cells formation, leucopoiesis and functions; 7. discuss platelets, haemostasis, clotting factors and anticoagulants; 8. explain thrombocytopenia, clotting disorders, haemophilia; 186 9. describe the principles of blood grouping and blood transfusion reactions; 10. explain reticuloendothelial system; 11. define immunity and its classification; 12. describe the process of development of cell-mediated immunity; 13. explain the process of development of humoral immunity; 14. discuss physiological basis of immunisation; and 15. describe autoimmune diseases, allergy and immunological hypersensitivity reactions.

General characteristics and functions of blood. Properties and functions of plasma. Red blood cells factors involved in erythropoiesis, blood groups. White blood cells, origin, type, properties, functions, antigenicity and immunities. Platelets and hemostatic mechanisms. Reticulo-endothelial system. Clotting and fibrinolytic systems. Immunity and immunodeficiency disease and HIV.