Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Platelets: Hemostasis

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Platelets: Hemostasis

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Problem L3.4

Textbook Question

Elise is a 36-year-old woman who has volunteered to donate red bone marrow to a patient in need of a bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia. The physician performing the bone marrow extraction is an intern, and it is her first time doing the procedure. She asks that you prepare a site on Elise's tibia for the procedure. Is this a good place for red bone marrow to be extracted, considering Elise's age? Why or why not? Can you suggest an alternative location? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of red bone marrow in the body. Red bone marrow is responsible for hematopoiesis, the process of producing blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is found in specific bones, particularly in adults.

Step 2: Consider the anatomy of the tibia. The tibia is a long bone located in the lower leg. In adults, the red bone marrow in long bones like the tibia is replaced by yellow bone marrow, which primarily stores fat and does not participate in hematopoiesis. Therefore, the tibia is not a suitable site for red bone marrow extraction in Elise's case.

Step 3: Identify bones that retain red bone marrow in adults. In adults, red bone marrow is typically found in flat bones and the ends of long bones. Examples include the sternum, pelvis (iliac crest), vertebrae, and proximal ends of the femur and humerus.

Step 4: Suggest an alternative site for extraction. The iliac crest of the pelvis is a common and preferred site for red bone marrow extraction in adults. It is easily accessible, contains a significant amount of red bone marrow, and is less invasive compared to other sites.

Step 5: Explain the reasoning behind the alternative site. The iliac crest is a flat bone that retains red bone marrow throughout adulthood, making it an ideal location for bone marrow extraction. Additionally, the procedure at this site is well-documented and widely practiced, ensuring safety and effectiveness for both the donor and the recipient.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Bone Marrow Locations

Bone marrow is primarily found in the central cavities of certain bones, with the most common sites for extraction being the iliac crest (hip bone) and the sternum. While the tibia does contain some marrow, it is not the preferred site for extraction due to its smaller volume and the potential for complications. Understanding the anatomy of bone marrow locations is crucial for safe and effective procedures.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells, leading to fatigue, increased risk of infections, and bleeding issues. This condition often necessitates a bone marrow transplant to restore healthy blood cell production. Knowledge of aplastic anemia helps in understanding the urgency and importance of finding a suitable donor and extraction site.

Procedure Safety and Experience

The experience level of the physician performing the procedure is critical for patient safety. An intern performing a bone marrow extraction for the first time may lack the necessary skills to handle complications that could arise. It is essential to consider the intern's training and possibly involve a more experienced physician to ensure the procedure is conducted safely and effectively.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is not an anticlotting agent produced by endothelial cells?

a. Prostacyclin

b. Protein C

c. Antithrombin-III

d. Warfarin

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Textbook Question

Tissue plasminogen activator, urokinase, and plasmin are important components of:

a. Coagulation

b. Fibrinolysis

c. Platelet plug formation

d. Hemostasis

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Textbook Question

The anticoagulant drug warfarin primarily disrupts the extrinsic/tissue factor coagulation pathway. Explain why disrupting only this pathway disrupts the entire coagulation cascade.

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Textbook Question

Cirrhosis of the liver often reduces production of many types of plasma proteins, including albumin and clotting factors. Predict the effects on the body of decreased numbers of these proteins in the plasma. Would this also affect the number of γ-globulins in the plasma? Why or why not?

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Multiple Choice

Which cells are necessary for vessel repair and clotting during hemostasis?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is responsible for producing platelets?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a function of platelets?