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Activity 3.1.2: Sickle Cell Diaries Component:Function:PlasmaThe function of this cell is to fight diseases. Each plasma cell produces a special antibody for an antigen. Upon entrance of the body, this antigen first binds with a B cell, which forms plasma cells.Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)The function of these cells is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. Only a portion of oxygen is carried by the red blood cells, while 95% of the CO2 is carried.White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)The function of these cells it to defend the body against infection. There are two types of white blood cells: *Phagocytes *LymphocyptesPhagocytes are these cells that detect foreign particles, cell wastes and bacteria.Lymphocyptes produce antibodies that attack organisms harmful to the body.Platelets (Thrombocytes)The function of this cell, is to contribute to the hemostatic process. It does this in two ways: 1. Through the adhesive and cohesive functions, which lead to a hemostatic plug. 2. Activating coagulation mechanisms through a phospholipidic surface.Find on the Internet images of a healthy red blood cell and sickle cell and copy and paste it below:ConclusionYou fall down and scrape your hand – describe what each component of blood would be doing at the injury site.Vasoconstriction- This involves blood vessels leading to the wound, reducing the blood flow in the area I have been injured.Platelets- These cells join together, travelling towards the torn blood vessels, forming a plug.Clotting proteins- These unite to form a net, holding the platelet plug in place, protecting the wound. In less than few minutes or seconds, bleeding is prevented. A scab is then formed.As a way of preventing infection, white blood cells come into play, destroying any germs that could enter the wound.Fibroblasts- These cells play their role in producing collagen, which would fill in the wound under the scab, creating new capillaries that would allow blood rich in oxygen to recover the wound.Anna has a condition called sickle cell anemia, a blood disorder. Based on the differences you observed between the normal blood slide and Anna’s blood slide, what do you think is a defining feature of this disease? Explain your answer.Based on my observation, I think Hemaglobin is a defining feature of this disease because by it forming long chains, it allows this shape of a sickle cell to occur, which in turn prevents the accurate intake of oxygen and nutrients. This would eventually lead to cause the blood cells to be blocked, not flowing properly.How does the abnormal shape of a sickled red blood cell affect its movement through blood vessels?The abnormal shape of a sickled red blood cell affects its movement through blood vessels by allowing it to not flow as it should. It would get clogged in the Capillary. People with sickle cell anemia often experience episodes of severe pain in their joints, chest, and abdomen and swelling in their hands and feet. Using what you know about the function of blood, why do you think the abnormal shape of sickled red blood cells causes these symptoms?I think the abnormal shape of sickled red blood cells causes these symptoms because with the Capillary becoming blocked by the blood cells that are not able to flow as it should, the amount of oxygen and blood needed to pass through would be insufficient causing many of these health problems after all, the body requires a huge amount of oxygen and blood flow to be able to function well.Anna’s autopsy shows that the nails on her fingers were a blue/gray color. How does Anna’s hematocrit level relate to these symptoms?Anna's hematocrit level relates to these symptoms, by being lower than the normal hematocrit rate. It was 20%.How might sickle cell disease have been related to Anna’s death? Sickle Cell disease might have been related to Anna's death, as her blood oxygen levels were lower than normal, her spleen was seen as abnormal, as well as her hands and feet were swollen.ConclusionBased on what you know about blood, why would having a sickle cell anemia crisis result in a reduced red blood cell count, an elevated white blood cell count, and a reduced hematocrit?Having a sickle cell anemia crisis would result in a reduced red blood cell count, an elevated white blood cell count as well as a reduced hematocrit, because hemoglobin S, an abnormal protein that causes sickle cell anemia, changes the red blood cells into sickles, which allows less oxygen to be transported. The elevated white blood cells, would occur as they would work together to fight off an foreign particles in the body that may come with having sickle cells. The hematocrit level may reduce because, by having such a crisis, several blood tests has to be carried out, monitoring this patient's blood flow therefore, the level of blood this person would have becomes unbalanced.Based on what you learned in the previous activity, why did having sickled red blood cells lead to the symptoms documented in Anna’s medical history when she was 14 months old?Having sickled red blood cells, lead to the symptoms documented in Anna's medical history at 14 months, because she was a diabetic. Her case of Type 2 diabetes, became worse overtime, as her lens in her right eye became cloudy. Her blood vessels in both eyes became swollen, allowing her vision to be impaired. Describe three ways daily life is affected for those who have sickle cell anemia.Three ways daily life is affected for those who have sickle cell anemia are:1. They must follow a healthy diet. (i.e eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains and products low in fat)2. Thy must exercise regularly, avoiding activities that would make their bodies worn out and feel very weak.3. They must sleep and rest often.Describe at least five symptoms of a sickle cell crisis.Five symptoms of a sickle cell crisis are:1. Shortness of breath2. Dizziness3. Headaches4. Cold feeling in the hands and feet5. Jaundice ( a yellow color in the skin or white in the eyes)Describe the pros and cons of the treatments used for each of the sickle cell anemia patients investigated in this activity.Pros:ExerciseDrinking lots of fluidsResting as often as PossibleChanging their diet by eating healthierCons:Having to be tested often (blood tests)Getting an Ultrasound of the head as a way of monitoring blood flow to the brain.Having to use an oxygen mask to help you breathe regularly.Having to take antibiotics daily ................
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