anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system

Antecubital fossa

The portion of the arm that is in front of the bend of the elbow the most prominent veins for veinpuncture are located in this area

Anticoagulation

Chemical substance that prevents blood from clotting

Buffy coat

Layers of cells in an anticoagulant tube of blood that is positioned between the red blood cells in the plasma layer the buffer coat consists of white blood cells and platelets

Centrifuge

Instrument that spins and separates blood into layers depending on the weight of each layer the heavier elements are pushed to the bottom due to the centrifuge Force

Distolic

Blood pressure when the heart is at rest

Endocarditis

Infection of the inner membrane of the heart

Erythrocytes

Formed blood elements also known as red blood cells

Hemopoiesis Hematopoiesis

Formation of blood cells

Leukocytes

Formd blood elements also known as white blood cells

Median cubital vein

The vein in the antecubital fossa area of the arm that bridges the cephalic and basilic veins

Occluded

Blocked the normal flow of blood is prevented

Plasma

Fluid portion of the blood when no clotting has taken place

Pulmonary system

System circulating blood through the lungs

Serum

Fluid portion of the blood after clotting has taken place

Systemic system

System circulating blood throughout the body with the exception of the lungs

Systolic

Blood pressure when the heart is fully contracted

Thrombocytes

Formed blood element also known as platelets