Blood Chapter 17

Hematopoiesis

The formation of all blood cells.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for gas transport.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that defend against disease.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that participate in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen.

Anemia

A condition where blood has abnormally low oxygen-carrying capacity.

Polycythemia

An abnormal excess of red blood cells.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Plasma

The straw-colored liquid component of blood.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Vascular spasm

A reaction of blood vessels to injury, leading to vasoconstriction.

Platelet plug

A temporary formation that helps seal breaks in blood vessels.

Leukocytosis

An increase in white blood cell count, often due to infection.

Hemostasis

The process to stop bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Antigens

Substances that can trigger an immune response.

Agglutination

The clumping of cells, often due to an immune response to foreign blood antigens.