Oxygen Transport and Anemias

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and definitions related to oxygen transport and anemias as discussed in the lecture notes.

Anemia

A condition where the capacity of blood to transport oxygen to tissue is reduced.

Erythropoiesis

The process of red blood cell production, stimulated by hypoxia and controlled by erythropoietin.

Hemolysis

The destruction of red blood cells, resulting in the release of bilirubin into the bloodstream.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

The average volume of individual red blood cells.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) Deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B12 necessary for red blood cell formation, often related to lack of intrinsic factor.

Folic Acid Deficiency

A deficiency of folic acid leading to megaloblastic anemia, required for red blood cell formation.

Normocytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by normal-sized red blood cells.

Microcytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency.

Macrocytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by larger than normal red blood cells, often related to B12 or folate deficiency.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

A common type of anemia found in 30% of the world's population, typically caused by inadequate dietary intake, increased demand, malabsorption, or blood loss.

Symptoms of Anemia

Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pallor, exertional dyspnea, and dizziness.

Transfusion

A medical procedure where blood or blood products are transferred into a patient's circulation.

Reticulocyte Count

A laboratory test that measures the percentage of immature red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Jaundice

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, often associated with an excess of bilirubin.

Glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue, which can be a clinical manifestation of iron or vitamin deficiency.

Patient Education

Providing information to the patient and family to improve understanding and compliance with treatment.

Collaborative Care

An interdisciplinary approach to treatment focusing on underlying causes and nutritional needs for conditions like anemia.

Platelet Count

A test measuring the number of platelets in the blood, important for clotting.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A comprehensive blood test assessing various components including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts.