WBC Disorders and Platelets

Vocabulary flashcards covering white blood cell disorders and the production and function of platelets.

HIV

A disorder that affects T-Cells and leads to AIDS.

Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID)

An inherited disease in which stem cells of WBC's lack an enzyme that allows them to fight any infection, preventing the production of functioning WBC's.

Leukemia

A group of cancers affecting white blood cells in which cells proliferate without control and produce a large number of WBC's that don't work.

Infectious mononucleosis

Also known as the "kissing disease," this condition occurs when the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects lymphocytes, resulting in fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

The virus responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis by infecting lymphocytes.

Platelets

Fragments of large cells called megakaryocytes originating in red bone marrow; about $200$ billion are made per day.

Megacuroblast

The precursor cells that turn into megakaryocytes, which ultimately fragmented to form platelets.

Hemostasis

The process of keeping blood in the vessels and stopping blood loss by plugging holes and generating blood clots through thrombosis or coagulation.

Thrombin and fibrinogen

Blood proteins found in plasma that are critical for blood clotting by generating fibrin threads.

Fibrin threads

Structures generated during blood clotting that catch RBC's to form a plug or clot.