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PY2.1-13 | Introduction to Haematology
Learning Objectives
- Describe the composition of blood — plasma and formed elements — and state the functions of each component (PY2.1)
- Describe the steps of haematopoiesis and the regulation of erythropoiesis including the role of erythropoietin (PY2.2)
- Describe the structure and functions of red blood cells, including the oxygen-carrying role of haemoglobin (PY2.3)
- Describe the different types of haemoglobin and the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve (PY2.4)
- Describe the synthesis and breakdown of haemoglobin and the formation of bilirubin (PY2.5)
- Describe iron metabolism — absorption, transport, storage, and recycling — and correlate with iron deficiency anaemia (PY2.6)
- Describe the classification of anaemias and their laboratory diagnosis using red cell indices (PY2.7)
- Describe the total and differential white blood cell count and the functions of each type of leucocyte (PY2.8)
- Describe the development, functions, and lifespan of platelets (thrombocytes) and their role in haemostasis (PY2.9)
- Describe the mechanisms of haemostasis — vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and the coagulation cascade (PY2.10)
- Describe the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways of coagulation and the role of clotting factors (PY2.11)
- Describe the fibrinolytic system and the natural anticoagulants that prevent excessive clotting (PY2.12)
- Describe the ABO and Rh blood group systems, principles of blood typing, cross-matching, and transfusion reactions (PY2.13)
INSTRUCTIONS
This module covers haematology — the physiology of blood. A single drop of your blood contains 5 million red cells, 7,000 white cells, and 250,000 platelets. Each has a different job, and understanding how they work is fundamental to almost every branch of medicine.
We'll start with what blood is made of (composition), then explore each formed element in depth: red blood cells (oxygen delivery), white blood cells (immunity), and platelets (haemostasis). We'll finish with blood groups and transfusion — a topic you'll apply from your very first clinical posting.
Parallel connections: In Anatomy, you're studying the heart and thorax (AN22) — the pump that moves the blood you learn about here. You're also studying bone marrow in bones — the factory where all blood cells are born. In Biochemistry, you're learning about iron metabolism (mineral metabolism) and protein structure — haemoglobin is a protein whose structure determines its oxygen-binding function. The lipid bilayer you studied in BI forms the flexible RBC membrane that lets red cells squeeze through capillaries half their diameter.
References
- Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed., Chapters 32–36: Blood (textbook)
- Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed., Chapters 31–33: Blood (textbook)
- OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Chapter 18: The Cardiovascular System — Blood (textbook (CC BY 4.0))
- Sembulingam's Essentials of Medical Physiology, 9th ed., Chapters on Blood (textbook)
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024, Adapted from OpenStax A&P 2e (CC BY 4.0)