Blood and Blood Cells

These flashcards cover key concepts related to blood and blood cells, including different types and functions.

Hematocrit (HCT)

The percentage of blood volume that consists of cells, usually about 45%.

Erythrocytes

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

Leukocytes

White blood cells that help guard against infection.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that contains water, proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells that occurs when antibodies in the blood react with antigens.

ABO Blood Types

A classification system for blood based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on the surface of red blood cells.

Rh Factor

A protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells; Rh+ individuals have the protein, while Rh- individuals do not.

Hemoglobin

A red-pigmented protein in erythrocytes that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Monocytes

The largest type of white blood cell that becomes a macrophage to engulf pathogens and debris.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cell that is the first to respond to infection.

Hematocrit (HCT)

The percentage of blood volume that consists of cells, usually about 45%.

Erythrocytes

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

Leukocytes

White blood cells that help guard against infection.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that contains water, proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells that occurs when antibodies in the blood react with antigens.

ABO Blood Types

A classification system for blood based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on the surface of red blood cells.

Rh Factor

A protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells; Rh+ individuals have the protein, while Rh- individuals do not.

Hemoglobin

A red-pigmented protein in erythrocytes that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Monocytes

The largest type of white blood cell that becomes a macrophage to engulf pathogens and debris.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cell that is the first to respond to infection.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Small, anucleated cell fragments that are essential for blood clotting (hemostasis).

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell crucial for the immune system, involved in specific immunity.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.

Basophils

The least common type of white blood cell, involved in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions by releasing histamine.

Antigens

Molecules on the surface of cells, such as red blood cells, that can trigger an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system in response to antigens; they identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.