Blood, Bone Marrow, and Blood Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to blood composition, bone marrow function, blood disorders, and related concepts.

Blood

Fluid tissue composed of plasma and cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets). Used as an accessible and reliable indicator for diagnosing diseases.

Plasma

Yellowish fluid, 90% water, containing proteins, salts, gases, nutrients, waste products, and control substances. It constitutes 55% of blood volume.

Serum

Plasma without clotting factors.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells; makes up 99% of cellular components of blood.

Platelets

Involved in blood clotting; makes up 0.6-1% of cellular components.

Leukocytes

White blood cells; makes up 0.2% of cellular components

Red Bone Marrow

Bone marrow that produces blood cells.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Bone marrow primarily composed of fat; can convert to red bone marrow when needed.

Stroma

The support structure of bone marrow.

Parenchyma

The functional tissue of bone marrow.

Hematopoietic Cells

Cells in bone marrow that develop into erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Hematocrit (HCT)

Percentage of red blood cells in blood volume.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Heme

Iron-containing component of hemoglobin that binds oxygen.

Globin

Protein chains within hemoglobin.

Blood Smear Test

Blood test that evaluates the maturity and appearance of blood cells.

Hemostasis

Process of blood clotting.

Thrombosis

Clots that form without injury.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count.

Thrombocytosis

High platelet count.

Fibrinolysis

Process by which clots are broken down by plasmin.

Anemia

A condition characterized by fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath, often due to a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia due to bleeding, poor absorption, or diet.

Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia caused by toxins, autoimmune diseases, or malaria.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Inherited anemia where red blood cells become sickle-shaped.

Thalassemia

Inherited anemia characterized by defective hemoglobin production.

Malaria

Disease caused by Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Leukemia

Blood cancer involving excessive abnormal white blood cells.

Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

Transplant using the patient’s own cells.

Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant

Transplant using donor cells.