Sickle Cell Anemia (IMAGE)
Caption
Sickle cell anemia is a disorder of the blood. This image shows 2 red blood cells, the one in front is displaying the characteristic "sickle-shape" (a flattened "C" shape) common to the disease. Sickle cell anemia is a disease that causes the red blood cells to change shape and affects their ability to carry hemoglobin (an iron rich protein, which gives red blood cells their red color and allows for efficient oxygen transport). Sickle cell anemia results in abnormal blood flow and a reduction in red blood cell count. It is an inherited genetic disorder, which occurs if someone has two copies of the sickle cell gene. If only one copy of the gene is inherited, this is known as "sickle cell trait," which results in an increased resistance to malaria.
Credit
EM Unit, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus/ Wellcome Images
Usage Restrictions
Not to be reproduced without permission. To obtain permission, please contact Wellcome Images at images@wellcome.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7611 8348
License
Licensed content