Blood Physiology & Hematology: RBCs, Hemoglobin, Bone Marrow & Iron Metabolism BSc Nursing 1st Semester 2025 (2024-2025) Previous Year's Question Papers/Notes Download - HK Technical PGIMS

This document delves into essential hematology concepts, covering red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin dynamics, bone marrow functions, and iron metabolism. Key highlights include:

1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs):

• Structure & Lifespan: Biconcave shape (spectrin/ankyrin), 120-day lifespan (shorter in anemia).

• Hemoglobin (Hb): Composition (heme, globin chains), fetal Hb (HbF) vs. adult Hb (HbA), and oxygen affinity.

• Clinical Correlations: Sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hereditary elliptocytosis.

2. Bone Marrow & Hematopoiesis:

• Types: Red marrow (erythropoiesis) vs. yellow marrow (fat storage).

• Diagnostic Tests: Aspiration (cell morphology) and biopsy (cellularity/metastasis detection).

3. Iron Metabolism:

• Absorption: Duodenal uptake (Fe²⁺), dietary requirements (10–20 mg/day).

• Storage & Reuse: Ferritin, hemosiderin, and recycling by macrophages.

4. Key Clinical Data:

• Normal Values: RBC count (3.5–6.5 million/mm³), Hb levels (male: 14–17 g/dL, female: 12–15 g/dL).

• Pathologies: Polikilocytosis (abnormal RBC shapes), microcytic/macrocytic anemias.