Human Blood - Key Concepts and Terminology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to human blood, its composition, functions, and blood typing systems.

Blood

The internal transport system in humans; a sticky, opaque fluid made up of plasma and formed elements.

pH of blood

The pH level of human blood ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, indicating its slightly alkaline nature.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.

Leukocytes

White blood cells (WBCs) involved in the body's immune response and protection against infection.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing.

Hematocrit

A measure of the percentage of whole blood occupied by red blood cells.

Antigens

Proteins on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type and cause transfusion reactions.

Rouleaux formation

A stack of red blood cells caused by inflammation, leading to increased sedimentation rates.

Plasma

The nonliving fluid matrix of blood, approximately 55% of whole blood, primarily composed of water and proteins.

ABO blood group system

A blood classification system based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells.

Rh factor

An antigen present on the surface of red blood cells which can lead to Rh incompatibility in pregnancies.

Normal blood volume for males

The average blood volume for adult males is approximately 5 to 6 liters.

Normal blood volume for females

The average blood volume for adult females is approximately 4 to 5 liters.