Phlebotomy Test Phlebotomy Anatomy and Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood?
- Transport oxygen
- Fight bacterial infections
- Assist in blood clotting (Correct answer)
- Produce antibodies
Correct answer: Assist in blood clotting
Platelets are cell fragments that aggregate at sites of vessel injury to form a plug and initiate the clotting cascade to stop bleeding.
Question 2: Which layer forms the middle portion of centrifuged whole blood between plasma and red blood cells?
- Serum layer
- Buffy coat (Correct answer)
- Fibrin layer
- Hemolysis band
Correct answer: Buffy coat
The buffy coat is the thin white or gray layer that contains white blood cells and platelets, located between the plasma and the packed red blood cells after centrifugation.
Question 3: A patient has a normal adult hematocrit. Which range best represents this value for males?
- 28–34%
- 38–50% (Correct answer)
- 55–65%
- 70–80%
Correct answer: 38–50%
Normal hematocrit for adult males is approximately 41–53%, so the range 38–50% is the closest correct answer among the choices.
Question 4: Which vein in the antecubital area is considered the least preferred due to its proximity to the brachial artery?
- Median cubital
- Cephalic
- Basilic (Correct answer)
- Dorsal hand vein
Correct answer: Basilic
The basilic vein is least preferred because it lies near the brachial artery and median nerve, increasing the risk of accidental arterial puncture or nerve injury.
Question 5: What type of circulation carries blood from the heart to the lungs and back?
- Systemic circulation
- Portal circulation
- Pulmonary circulation (Correct answer)
- Coronary circulation
Correct answer: Pulmonary circulation
Pulmonary circulation transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation, then returns it to the left atrium.
Question 6: Which plasma protein is essential for maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting substances in the blood?
- Fibrinogen
- Globulin
- Albumin (Correct answer)
- Prothrombin
Correct answer: Albumin
Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and is critical for maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting hormones, fatty acids, and drugs.
What is the function of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood?