Blood, Immune, and Lymphatic System Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on blood, immune, and lymphatic systems.

Plasma

The clear, protein-rich liquid portion of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, wastes, and antibodies.

Formed Elements

Collective name for the cellular components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Hematocrit

Percentage of whole blood volume occupied by red blood cells; used to assess oxygen-carrying capacity.

Erythrocyte (Red Blood Cell)

Anucleated, biconcave cell specialized for oxygen transport via hemoglobin.

Leukocyte (White Blood Cell)

Immune cell that protects the body against infection and disease; several subtypes exist.

Platelet (Thrombocyte)

Small cell fragment from a megakaryocyte that initiates blood clotting and helps form platelet plugs.

Hemoglobin

Tetrameric protein (2 α + 2 β globins) with iron-containing heme groups that bind and transport oxygen.

Heme Group

Iron-containing component of hemoglobin that reversibly binds oxygen; gives blood its red color when oxygenated.

Biconcave Shape

Red blood cell morphology in which both surfaces are indented, increasing surface area for gas exchange.

Hematopoiesis

Umbrella term for the formation of all blood cells in bone marrow.

Erythropoiesis

Specific process of red blood cell production, stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin.

Leukopoiesis

Formation and maturation of white blood cells in lymphoid tissues.

Myeloid Tissue

Bone marrow tissue that produces erythrocytes, platelets, and some leukocytes.

Lymphoid Tissue

Tissue (e.g., lymph nodes, thymus) that produces and houses lymphocytes.

Granulocyte

Category of leukocyte with visible cytoplasmic granules: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils.

Agranulocyte

Leukocyte lacking obvious granules: lymphocytes and monocytes.

Neutrophil

Most abundant white blood cell; phagocytizes bacteria and rises during bacterial infections.

Eosinophil

Granulocyte that combats parasites and participates in allergic responses.

Basophil

Rare granulocyte that releases histamine and heparin; involved in allergy and inflammation.

Lymphocyte

Agranulocyte that includes B cells and T cells; mediates adaptive immunity and antibody production.

Monocyte

Large agranulocyte that differentiates into a macrophage when it enters tissues.

Macrophage

Tissue-resident phagocyte derived from monocytes; engulfs pathogens and debris.

Megakaryocyte

Large bone-marrow cell that sheds cytoplasmic fragments to form platelets.

Fibrin

Insoluble protein threads that reinforce platelet plugs and stabilize blood clots.

Hemostasis

The arrest of bleeding via vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Antigen

Molecule (often a protein or carbohydrate) capable of triggering an antibody response.

Antibody

Y-shaped protein produced by B cells that specifically binds antigens and flags them for destruction.

Agglutination

Clumping of antigen-bearing cells caused by antibodies binding to their surface antigens.

Blood Type A

Blood possessing A antigens on RBCs and anti-B antibodies in plasma.

Blood Type B

Blood possessing B antigens on RBCs and anti-A antibodies in plasma.

Blood Type AB

Blood possessing both A and B antigens; plasma lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies.

Blood Type O

Blood lacking A and B antigens; plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.

Rh Factor (D Antigen)

Additional red-blood-cell surface antigen; presence is Rh-positive, absence is Rh-negative.

RhoGAM

Injection of anti-Rh antibodies given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Universal Donor

Individual with O-negative blood; lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, minimizing transfusion reactions.

Universal Recipient

Individual with AB-positive blood; lacks anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D antibodies, so can accept any ABO/Rh blood.

Polycythemia

Abnormally high red blood cell count, increasing blood viscosity and risk of thrombosis.

Anemia

Condition of low red blood cell count or hemoglobin content, resulting in tissue hypoxia.

Sickle Cell Disease

Genetic disorder causing hemoglobin to polymerize, distorting RBCs into crescent shapes and leading to vascular blockages.

Leukopenia

Abnormally low white blood cell count, predisposing to infections.

Leukocytosis

Elevated white blood cell count, often signaling infection or inflammation.

Leukemia

Cancer of bone marrow characterized by excessive, abnormal white blood cells.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid that bathes tissue cells; excess is collected by lymphatic capillaries.

Lymph

Clear fluid transported within lymphatic vessels; derived from interstitial fluid.

Lymphatic Capillary

Blind-ended, thin-walled vessel that absorbs interstitial fluid and large molecules such as lipids.

Lymph Node

Bean-shaped lymphoid organ that filters lymph and houses proliferating lymphocytes and macrophages.

Cisterna Chyli

Dilated sac in the abdomen that collects lymph from lower limbs and intestines before it enters the thoracic duct.

Thoracic Duct

Main lymphatic vessel that drains the left head, left arm, and entire body below the diaphragm into the left subclavian vein.

Right Lymphatic Duct

Short vessel that drains lymph from the right head, right arm, and right thorax into the right subclavian vein.

Tonsils

Five lymphoid tissues in the pharynx that protect against ingested or inhaled pathogens.

Pharyngeal Tonsil

Single tonsil (adenoid) located in the nasopharynx.

Palatine Tonsils

Pair of tonsils located on either side of the oropharynx; visible when you say “ah.”

Lingual Tonsils

Pair of tonsils at the base of the tongue.

Spleen

Largest lymphoid organ; filters blood, recycles old RBCs, and stores platelets.

Thymus

Lymphoid organ anterior to the heart where T lymphocytes mature; largest in children.

Peyer’s Patches

Clusters of lymphoid tissue in the small intestine that monitor gut microbiota.

B Cell

Lymphocyte that differentiates into plasma cells and secretes antibodies.

T Cell

Lymphocyte that matures in the thymus and mediates cellular immunity.

Transport Function of Blood

Role of blood in moving gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones throughout the body.

Buffering Capacity of Blood

Ability of blood to resist pH changes by binding or releasing hydrogen ions.

Histamine

Vaso-dilating chemical released by basophils that contributes to inflammation and allergy symptoms.

Tallquist Paper Test

Color-scale method that estimates hemoglobin concentration based on blood color after oxygenation.