Blood Cells and Hematopoiesis Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to blood cells, their functions, morphology, and the process of hematopoiesis.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up 54% of total blood volume; contains 91-92% water and various solutes.

Erythrocyte

A type of blood cell that carries oxygen; mammalian erythrocytes are biconcave discs and do not have nuclei.

Anisocytosis

Variation in red blood cell size, commonly found in most species.

Poikilocytosis

Variation in red blood cell shape, which is not common but can be found in certain species like goats and deer.

Reticulocyte

An immature red blood cell that contains RNA and polyribosomes, indicating regenerative anemia when present in high numbers.

Howell-Jolly Bodies

Nuclear fragments found in red blood cells, typically seen in low numbers but can increase after splenectomy.

Heinz Bodies

Precipitated hemoglobin seen in red blood cells under oxidative stress conditions, often associated with hemolytic anemia.

Megakaryocyte

A large bone marrow cell that produces platelets through cytoplasmic processes.

Left Shift

A response to increased demand for neutrophils leading to the release of immature forms (band cells) from the bone marrow.

Erythropoietin

A hematopoietic growth factor that stimulates the production of red blood cells by prolonging the survival of erythroid precursors.

Thrombopoietin

A growth factor that regulates the development of megakaryocytes and platelet levels in blood.

Neutrophil

A type of white blood cell that is the first line of defense and plays a key role in phagocytosis; constitutes 40-70% of leukocyte count.

Monocyte

The largest type of white blood cell, agranular, which can differentiate into macrophages and generally constitutes 3-8% of leukocytes.

Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell that is pivotal in immune response; comprises 20-40% of leukocytes in dogs and cats and up to 70% in some ruminants.

RBC Sizes

Dog - 7ųm

Cat - 5.8 ųm

Horse - 5.7 ųm

Cattle - 5.5 ųm

Goat - 3.2 ųm

Identify species associated with each RBC

1. Mammalian - bison cave disc with central parlor

2. Sheep

3. Amphibians, Reptiles & Birds - oval shape with nucleus

4. Camel - oval shape

Cow RBC Lifespan

160 days Sh

Sheep RBC Lifespan

150

Horse RBC Lifespan

145 days

Goat RBC Lifespan

125 days

Dog RBC Lifespan

120 days

Pig RBC Lifespan

79 days

Cat

73 days

Camelidae Lifespan

60 days

Bird Lifespan

35 days