People with sickle cell anemia often experience episodes of severe pain in their joints, chest, and abdomen and swelling in thei
r hands and feet. using what you know about the function of blood, why do you think the abnormal shape of sickled red blood cells causes these symptoms?
The abnormal shape of sickled red blood cells causes these blood cells to easily clog or block blood vessels even at the slightest curves. This can prevent other, healthier blood cells from traveling to the places in the body that they need to travel to to help the body function at its best, and as a result, swelling and severe pain can be a problem. An example of such pain that I am thinking of right now is the feeling that you get when you stay upside-down for a long time, causing your blood to rush and stay by your head. Much of that blood stays by your head until you come right-side up again, and I think that that pressure somewhat mimics the feeling of what happens to many with the condition of sickle cell anemia when the blood flow is blocked in certain areas. Hope this helps!
