Chapter 9: Blood and Immune System Flashcards

Vocabulary terms, word parts, medical conditions, and procedures related to the blood and immune system based on Chapter 9 lecture notes.

Pathogens

Disease-causing agents from which the immune system protects the body.

Whole Blood Composition

Classified as connective tissue, it consists of $45\%$ formed elements and $55\%$ plasma.

Formed Elements

Cells and cell fragments produced in bone marrow, including erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells; biconcave discs with no nucleus.

Leukocytes

White blood cells; colorless cells that circulate in body fluids, categorized into 5 classes.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Cell fragments without a nucleus involved in blood clotting.

Plasma

The fluid matrix of blood containing water ($92\%$), proteins ($7\%$), and other solutes ($1\%$).

Plasma Proteins

Include albumin (the main protein), fibrinogen (blood clotter), and globulins (antibodies).

Serum

Plasma that has had the fibrinogen removed.

Immune Response

The body's reaction to an antigen, such as producing antibodies against a toxin or foreign substance.

chrom/o, chromat/o

Combining form meaning color.

cyt/o

Combining form meaning cell.

hem/o, hemat/o

Combining form meaning blood.

phag/o

Combining form meaning eat or swallow.

-penia

Suffix meaning deficiency.

-poiesis

Suffix meaning production or formation.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping blood flow or arresting bleeding.

Virulent

A term denoting an extremely toxic pathogen.

Pernicious Anemia

A disorder where red blood cells decrease and individual cells enlarge (macrocytes) due to an inability to absorb vitamin B12.

Thalassemia

A disorder caused by a genetic defect resulting in low hemoglobin production.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic defect resulting in abnormal hemoglobin causing red blood cells to become crescent-shaped, obstructing blood flow.

Hemophilia

A bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor, resulting in an inability of blood to coagulate.

Thrombocytopenia

A disorder involving low levels of platelets in the blood.

Hemochromatosis

Excessive absorption and storage of dietary iron in body tissues causing dysfunction.

Mononucleosis

An increase of mononuclear leukocytes characterized by fever, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and fatigue.

Septicemia

The spread of microorganisms or toxins through circulating blood.

Sjögren syndrome

A chronic autoimmune disease causing degeneration of the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in dry mouth and eyes.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

An inflammatory, autoimmune, connective tissue disease that can affect all organ systems.

Bilirubin

A yellow pigment formed from hemoglobin; used to screen for liver disorders or anemia; excess is associated with jaundice.

Hematocrit (HCT)

A test measuring the percentage of red blood cells in a sample of whole blood.

Prothrombin Time (PT)

A measurement of the time required for blood to clot.

Apheresis

The infusion of a patient's own blood after certain cellular or fluid elements have been removed; often used to remove antibodies.

Autologous Blood

Blood donated for future use by the same patient, usually before surgery.

Phlebotomy

Incision into a vein to inject a solution or withdraw blood; synonym for venipuncture or venotomy.

Immunosuppressant

A drug used to suppress or reduce immune responses, often in organ transplant recipients or those with autoimmune diseases.

Thrombolytic Agent

A drug designed to dissolve a blood clot.

Hematology

The medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs.

Rheumatology

Medical specialty concerned with rheumatic conditions, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.