Circulation 1 Blood Introduction & Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) primarily responsible for transporting oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells (WBCs) involved in the immune response and protection against infections.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood consisting of water, proteins, nutrients, electrolytes, and hormones.

Hematocrit (Hct)

The volume percentage of red blood cells in blood, often used to assess anemia.

Blood viscosity

Resistance of blood to flow, influenced by the number of RBCs and proteins.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure (COP)

The form of pressure that pulls water into the capillaries, influenced by solute concentration.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system that binds to specific antigens to mark them for destruction.

Antigen

A complex molecule recognized by the immune system that can provoke an immune response.

Agglutination

The clumping of cells, such as red blood cells, caused by antibodies binding to antigens.

Kwashiorkor

A condition resulting from protein deficiency leading to edema and swollen appearance due to water imbalance.

ISOIM

A process where the immune system reacts to an antigen due to prior exposure, significant in maternal-fetal mismatches.

Carbonic anhydrase

An enzyme that helps convert carbon dioxide into bicarbonate in red blood cells.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

A condition where the immune system of a Rh-negative mother produces antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells.

Blood types

Categories of blood (A, B, AB, O) determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens.

Universal donor

Type O negative blood, which can be given to any blood type.

Universal recipient

Type AB positive blood, which can receive blood from any blood type.

Bililights

A treatment for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns that converts bilirubin to a water-soluble form.

Ineffective erythropoiesis

A condition where red blood cell production is inadequate, contributing to anemia.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to body tissues.