Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology - Blood

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the physiology of blood and the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular system

The system consisting of a pump (heart), conduits (blood vessels), and fluid tissue (blood).

Transport

Major function of the cardiovascular system, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients.

Protection

Function of blood that includes preventing blood loss through clotting.

pH of Blood

Normal blood pH range between 7.35-7.45.

Blood temperature

Typically 100.4 °F (38 °C), higher than normal body temperature.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, mainly water and proteins.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen from lungs to tissues.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that protect the body from infection.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that play a critical role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells occurring in the bone marrow.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone produced by the kidneys to regulate red blood cell production.

Reticulocyte

An immature red blood cell that contains ribosomes.

Polycethemia

An abnormal increase in red blood cells.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes characterized by visible granules.

Agranulocytes

A category of leukocytes that do not have visible granules.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms in a vessel and remains there.

Embolism

A blockage caused by a floating blood clot in the bloodstream.

Antigens

Substances on red blood cell surfaces determining blood types.

Universal donor

Type O blood, which can be given to any other blood type.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding or blood loss.

Platelet aggregation

The clumping together of platelets to form a clot.

Coagulation

The process of converting liquid blood into a gel, forming a blood clot.

Blood doping

Athletes' practice of increasing red blood cell count to enhance performance.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

A condition where maternal antibodies attack fetal red blood cells.

Leukopenia

A decrease in white blood cell count.

Thrombocytopenia

A decrease in platelet count.

Fibrinolysis

The process of breaking down blood clots.

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Essential for normal blood clotting processes.

Vitamin K

A vitamin required for the synthesis of clotting factors.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A condition where blood clots form in deep veins, often in the legs.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

A blockage in the lung arteries caused by blood clots from the legs.

Cerebral embolism

A clot that travels to the brain, potentially causing a stroke.

Blood type compatibility

The ability of blood from one person to be transfused into another.

Type A blood

Contains A antigens and anti-B antibodies.

Type B blood

Contains B antigens and anti-A antibodies.

Type AB blood

Contains A and B antigens, and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

Type O blood

Universal donor blood type with no A or B antigens.

Hemoglobin normal values

Normal range is 12 to 18 grams per 100 mL of blood.

Hematocrit

The percentage of red blood cells in total blood volume.

RBC count

Number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.

Anti-A antibody

An antibody present in Type B and O blood.

Anti-B antibody

An antibody present in Type A and O blood.

Fibrinogen

A soluble plasma protein that is converted to fibrin during clotting.

Thrombin

An enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin.

Intrinsic pathway

The coagulation pathway that initiates blood clotting from within the blood.

Extrinsic pathway

The coagulation pathway that is initiated by external factors.

Common pathway

Combines intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, leading to fibrin formation.

Eosinophils

A type of granulocyte involved in combatting parasites and allergens.

Neutrophils

The most common type of white blood cell that fights infection.

Basophils

A type of granulocyte that releases histamine during allergic responses.

Monocytes

Large agranulocytes that become macrophages in tissues.

Lymphocytes

A type of agranulocyte that produces T cells and B cells.

Human blood types

A, B, AB, and O - classified by antigens on red blood cells.

Spleen

Organ that helps filter and recycle red blood cells.

Macrophages

Cells that engulf and destroy old or damaged red blood cells.

Bilirubin

A yellow compound that is a breakdown product of heme.

Biliverdin

A green pigment and precursor to bilirubin in the breakdown of heme.

Hemolysis

The destruction or breakdown of red blood cells.

Intrinsic factor

A substance required for the absorption of Vitamin B12.

Neutropenia

A low level of neutrophils, increasing risk of infection.

Clot retraction

The process by which a clot shrinks and draws the edges of a wound together.

Vascular phase

Initial phase of hemostasis where blood vessels constrict.

Platelet phase

The stage in hemostasis where platelets aggregate to form a plug.

Coagulation phase

The stage where blood transforms from liquid to gel, sealing the wound.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that can develop into other cell types.

Myeloid stem cells

Stem cells that differentiate into red blood cells and platelets.

Multi-CSF

Colony-stimulating factor that promotes the growth of blood cells.

Shock

A life-threatening condition resulting from inadequate blood flow.

Thrombolytic therapy

Treatment to dissolve blood clots; e.g., tPA.

Bone marrow

Primary site for hematopoiesis, producing blood cells.

Chemotherapy

Treatment that can cause leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Incompatibility

Failure of blood transfusion due to differing blood types.

Antibody mediated response

Reaction where antibodies attack foreign antigens.

Clotting factors

Proteins in blood that are essential for coagulation and hemostasis.

Plasminogen

Inactive precursor to plasmin, which breaks down fibrin.

Platelet activating factor (PAF)

A phospholipid that enhances platelet aggregation.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.

Endothelial cells

Cells lining the blood vessels, crucial for vascular health.