Human Anatomy - Blood

Agglutination

is the clumping of cells, typically red blood cells, in response to an antibody. This process can occur during blood transfusions if incompatible blood types are mixed.

Agranulocyte

A type of white blood cell that lacks granules in its cytoplasm, including lymphocytes and monocytes. Agranulocytes play a crucial role in the immune response.

Albumin

A protein found in blood plasma that helps maintain osmotic pressure and transport various substances.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen transport to tissues.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens, playing a key role in the immune response.

Antigen

Any substance that triggers an immune response, often recognized by antibodies.

B Cell

A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, responsible for producing antibodies in response to antigens.

Basophil

A type of white blood cell that plays a role in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses by releasing histamine and other chemicals.

buffy coat

The thin, white layer of leukocytes and platelets that separates red blood cells from plasma in a centrifuged blood sample.

coagulation

The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot to prevent excessive bleeding.

deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that is not bound to oxygen, resulting from the release of oxygen to tissues.

diapedesis

The process by which white blood cells move out of the circulatory system and into tissues, typically in response to inflammation or infection.

embolus

A blood clot or other material that travels through the bloodstream and can obstruct a blood vessel.

eosinophil

A type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune response, particularly in combating parasitic infections and allergic reactions.

erythroblastosis fetalis

A condition in which an unborn baby suffers from anemia due to the mother's immune system attacking the baby's red blood cells, often caused by Rh incompatibility.

erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, particularly in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.

fibrin

A protein involved in blood clotting that forms a mesh-like structure to stabilize blood clots and prevent excessive bleeding.

fibrinogen

A soluble plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during the blood clotting process, playing a crucial role in wound healing.

globulins

A group of proteins in blood plasma that play roles in immune function, transport of substances, and blood clotting.

granulocyte

A type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in its cytoplasm, involved in the body's immune response.

hematocrit

The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, typically expressed as a percentage.

hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually caused by injury or trauma, that can lead to swelling and discoloration.

hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and facilitates the return of carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system, helping to fight infections and other diseases.

lymphocyte

A type of leukocyte that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response, including the production of antibodies and the destruction of infected cells.

megakaryocyte

A large bone marrow cell responsible for the production of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.

monocyte

A type of leukocyte that differentiates into macrophages and dendritic cells, playing a key role in the immune response by engulfing pathogens and presenting antigens.

neutrophil

A type of granulocyte that is the most abundant white blood cell, primarily involved in the body's defense against bacterial infections through phagocytosis.

oxyhemoglobin

A form of hemoglobin bound to oxygen, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body.

plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

platelets

Small cell fragments in the blood that are essential for blood clotting and wound healing.

prothrombin

A plasma protein that is converted into thrombin during the blood coagulation process, playing a crucial role in blood clotting.

RhoGAM

A medication that contains Rh immunoglobulin, used to prevent Rh immunization in Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth.

T cell

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response, particularly in recognizing and attacking infected or cancerous cells.

thrombin

An enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin in the blood coagulation process, essential for forming blood clots.

thrombocyte

Also known as a platelet, thrombocytes are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in hemostasis by helping to form clots and stop bleeding.

thrombus

A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains attached to its place of origin, potentially obstructing blood flow.

WBC differential

A laboratory test that measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells in the blood, providing information about the immune system and potential infections.