At the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the stem cell theory of hematopoiesis.

2. Describe the normal maturation sequence for red cells, white cells, and platelets from a stem cell to a mature cell.

3. Know the function of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

4. List the white blood cells normally present in peripheral blood, and be able to identify them. List disease processes which lead to decreases or increases in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

5. List the components which are measured in a CBC. Explain what a WBC differential is. Know normal values.

6. Discuss a diagnostic approach to a patient with anemia, and know the common clinical features of patients with anemia. Have an understanding of the morphologic and pathophysiologic classification of anemia.

7. Know the etiology and the clinical and hematologic findings of the major forms of anemia which are described in the book.

8. Discuss the pathogenesis of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility between the mother and the fetus.

9. Discuss the clinical and hematologic features and the etiology of hypersplenism.

10. Contrast and compare polycythemia vera (true polycythemia) vs. secondary polycythemia.

11. Describe the following steps of normal hemostasis: platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis.

12. List the coagulation factors of the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common coagulation pathways.

13. List the vitamin K dependent coagulation factors and describe why vitamin K is required for their proper synthesis.

14. Describe and interpret the following laboratory tests used to evaluate bleeding patients: bleeding time, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrin degradation products.

15. List the 4 major patho-physiological mechanisms of thrombocytopenia.

16. Describe the pathogenesis, pathological features, and clinical features of the following hereditary bleeding disorders: hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease.

17. Describe the pathogenesis, pathological features, and clinical features of the following acquired bleeding disorders: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, vitamin K deficiency, disseminated intravascular coagulation.

18. Be able to identify, from projected slides, each of the diseases/processes in the Supplemental Image Database.

19. Define the listed Keywords.