A_P_Week_1_Blood

Cardiovascular system

A system that circulates blood through the body, composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide from the body back to the lungs.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells, which occurs mostly in the bone marrow.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, proteins, hormones, and nutrients.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that play crucial roles in the immune response.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Agranulocytes

A category of leukocytes that do not have visible granules, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Antigens

Molecules on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type and can trigger an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that react against specific antigens.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells that occurs when antibodies bind to their specific antigens.

Rh factor

An antigen that can be present on the surface of red blood cells, determining whether blood is Rh positive or Rh negative.

Thrombopoietin

A hormone that stimulates the production of platelets from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.

Fibrinolysis

The process of breaking down blood clots after they have served their purpose.

Positive chemotaxis

The movement of white blood cells toward an infection site in response to chemical signals.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

A condition that occurs when an Rh-negative mother produces antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen, transporting it from the lungs to the tissues.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that has released its bound oxygen, returning to the lungs for reoxygenation.

Leukopenia

A low white blood cell count that can indicate a problem with the immune system.

Leukocytosis

An elevated white blood cell count, often a sign of infection or inflammation.