NOTES bio 10/31-11/12

Composition of blood

Blood is composed of 44% red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and 55% plasma.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, consisting of 92% water, 7% proteins, and 1% dissolved substances.

Albumins

Plasma proteins responsible for water balancing, transporting substances, and maintaining osmotic pressure.

Fibrinogen

A clotting protein in plasma that is converted to fibrin during blood coagulation.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A condition characterized by a stationary blood clot in a deep vein, commonly in the lower legs.

Virchow's triad

A set of three factors that contribute to thrombosis: stasis of blood flow, vascular injury, and hypercoagulability.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Sickle cell anemia

A genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to form in a sickle shape, leading to various health complications.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of white blood cells.

Arteries

Blood vessels with thick, muscular walls that carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels with thin walls that facilitate the diffusion of nutrients, gases, and waste products.

Veins

Blood vessels with thinner walls than arteries that carry blood back to the heart at lower pressure.

Cardiovascular disease

A group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, often linked to lifestyle factors and genetics.

Mitochondria

Organelles in cells that convert glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids into ATP, providing energy for the body.

Asthma

A respiratory condition that causes difficulty in breathing due to inflammation of the bronchioles.

Alveoli

Microscopic structures in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.

Negative pressure breathing

A mechanism where contraction of the diaphragm and rib muscles increases lung volume and decreases pressure, allowing air to flow in.

Antigen

Any substance that can elicit an immune response, typically found on the surface of pathogens.

Pathogen

A foreign cell or molecule that can cause disease.