TRIPARTITE MEETING DISCUSSION

We discussed how to conduct a tripartite meeting and what steps we need to take to ensure compliance. We explored what needs to be completed promptly and what will happen if we fall behind. I learnt that it is vital to keep up with learning logs, theory hours, and coursework to maintain a strong understanding of the material, ensure I am meeting deadlines, and ultimately succeed in my studies.

The Structure and Function of Blood

Today, we discussed the components of blood, which are Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes), White Blood Cells (Leukocytes), Platelets (Thrombocytes) and Plasma. Each element has a specific function within the body to maintain Homeostasis and overall health.

• Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation. They contain haemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen.
• White blood cells are crucial for the immune system, helping to fight infections and diseases. There are several types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each having unique roles in an immune response.
• Platelets are tiny cell fragments that play a critical role in blood clotting. They help to form clots by adhering to the site of a blood vessel injury and aggregating together to prevent blood loss.
• Plasma is a liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its volume. Plasma is primarily composed of water, but it also contains proteins (such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

We explored the process of blood cell formation, known as haematopoiesis, which involves the formation of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets, in the bone marrow and red marrow found in certain bones, such as the pelvis, ribs, and sternum. We examined the function of blood and its role in maintaining homeostasis. Looking at the function of transportation of substances such as gases, nutrients and waste to help preserve the internal environment of the body, allowing for stable conditions despite changes in the external environment. This includes regulating temperature, ph, and nutrient levels to maintain Homeostasis.

We examined various blood-related illnesses, each with distinct causes and implications for overall health. There are many types of Anaemia, such as sickle cell anaemia and Leukaemia, to name a few, which are all illnesses and diseases caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, nutritional, and bone marrow deficiencies.

Understanding these illnesses helps in recognising symptoms, seeking diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, as well as highlighting the importance of blood in overall health.

We explored the blood types, which are classified based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The two main blood group systems are the ABO system and the Rh (Rhesus) system. The ABO Blood group system consists of four main groups: A, B, AB, and O. The Rh Rhesus blood group system is based on specific antigens that are either present or absent on the red blood cells, designated as + and -. Individuals who have the Rh antigen are Rh-positive (e.g., A+, B+, AB+, O+), while those who do not have it are Rh-negative (e.g., A-, B-, AB-, O-).

Understanding blood groups is crucial for ensuring the safety of blood transfusions, as mismatched transfusions can lead to serious complications. For example, a person with type A blood should not receive type B blood, as the B antibodies in their plasma would attack the transfused red blood cells.

I have gained more knowledge and insight into how blood functions to support life and maintain balance and Homeostasis in the body, which I can use and apply as a Student Nursing Assistant.

The Cardiovascular system

We discussed that the Cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. It is primarily responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It comprises the Heart, blood vessels made up of arteries, veins and capillaries and blood.

The Heart is anatomically positioned in the Thoracic cavity, between the Lungs, slightly to the left. It is divided into four chambers, consisting of the right and left atrium and the right and left ventricles. The heart has four valves that control blood flow and prevent backflow: the Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, and Aortic valves. A muscular wall, known as the Septum, divides the heart to ensure that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix. The heart is composed of three layers: the Epicardium (outer layer), the Myocardium (middle layer), and the Endocardium (inner layer).

The arteries branch off from the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle itself, ensuring that it receives the oxygen and nutrients necessary for effective function. The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart. It is a crucial component of the cardiovascular system, playing a vital role in returning blood to the heart.

The pulmonary artery is responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. This is where the blood undergoes oxygenation, releasing carbon dioxide and absorbing oxygen through the process of gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs. The inferior vena cava is a crucial vein in the body that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the right atrium of the heart. The pulmonary vein plays a vital role in transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart and carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart. It is unique in that it carries oxygen-rich blood.

Arteries, veins, and capillaries each have unique structures suited to their specific functions in the circulatory system, contributing to the overall maintenance of homeostasis and the effective transport of blood throughout the body. The pulmonary and systemic systems interact through the heart’s dual pumping action, ensuring that oxygen is delivered to tissues while carbon dioxide and waste are removed.

I have learnt that understanding the importance of the circulatory system allows me to provide better care, monitor my patients effectively, and respond promptly to any signs of complications.

KSB