Blood spatter analysis

agglutination

the clumping of molecules or cells caused by an antigen-antibody reaction

antibodies

proteins secreted by white blood cells that attach to antigens

antigen-antibody response

a reaction in which antibodies attach to specific antigens

antigens

any foreign substance or cell in the body that reacts with antibodies

cell-surface protein

proteins embedded in the cell membrane

lines of convergence

a two-dimensional view of the intersection of lines formed by drawing a line through the main axis of at least two drops of blood that indicates the general area of the source of the blood spatter

point of origin

a three-dimensional view formed using lines of convergence and angles of impact of at least two different drops of blood to identify the source and location of blood splatter

red blood cells

donut-shaped cells that carry oxygen throughout the body

satellite drop of blood

secondary drop formed when some blood breaks free from the main contact drop of blood

white blood cells

cells that police the body by destroying foreign materials