Question

1. what is the function of the foramen ovale? 16. in centrifuged blood, name two things found in the plasma component. 17. if a male patient’s hematocrit is 64%, is this normal? if not, provide the condition.

Explanation:

Question 15

The foramen ovale is a fetal heart structure. Its function is to allow blood to bypass the non - functioning fetal lungs by shunting blood from the right atrium to the left atrium, ensuring oxygenated blood reaches the systemic circulation.

Plasma is the liquid component of blood. It contains various substances. Two common components are proteins (such as albumin, globulins, fibrinogen) and nutrients (like glucose, amino acids, lipids). Also, it contains hormones, electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium), and waste products (e.g., urea).

The normal hematocrit range for adult males is typically around 40 - 54% (or 41 - 53% in some references). A hematocrit of 64% for a male is above the normal range. This condition is called polycythemia, which can be due to factors like dehydration, bone marrow disorders, or living at high altitudes (secondary polycythemia) or a primary bone marrow disorder (primary polycythemia vera).

Answer:

The foramen ovale in the fetus allows blood to shunt from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs (since fetal lungs are not functional for gas exchange), to ensure oxygenated blood reaches the body.

Question 16