Objective

By the end of the session students should be able to explain the fundamental concepts in anaemia; the basic morphological features of erythropoesis as well as those of normal red cell metabolic processes

Details

To introduce the topic of anaemia to medical students. To illustrate basic morphological features of erythropoiesis and to explain essential features of normal red cell metabolic processes.

Haemopoiesis, commitment to erythroid differentiation.
Morphological features of erythropoiesis including red cell maturation.
Definition of anaemia - normal haemoglobin concentration.
Factors affecting measurement of haemoglobin concentration.
Erythropoietin.
Reticulocytes.
Structure of haemoglobin (haem, iron, globin).
Generation of energy by red blood cells - glycolysis.
Generation of anti-oxidant capacity in red cells (metabolic pathway of glutathione production).
Causes of anaemia - contrast inadequate production and destruction or loss of red cells.

Haematology Block