Cardiovascular System: Blood chapter 18

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the functions and composition of blood in the cardiovascular system.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue that transports gases, nutrients, hormones, and has an ever-changing composition.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting respiratory gases.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that defend against pathogens.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help in the clotting of blood.

Plasma

Fluid portion of blood that contains plasma proteins and dissolved solutes.

Capillaries

Microscopic vessels that are sites of exchange between blood and body tissues.

Hematocrit

Percentage of blood volume that is made up of formed elements, primarily erythrocytes.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing erythrocytes, primarily occurring in red bone marrow.

Hemostasis

The process of blood clotting that stops blood flow through injured blood vessel walls.

ABO Blood Group

Classification of blood based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on erythrocytes.

Diapedesis

The process by which leukocytes exit the blood vessels to enter tissues.

Agglutination

Clumping of erythrocytes that occurs when an incompatible blood type is transfused.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins and ions in plasma that pulls fluid back into capillaries.

Nucleus

An organelle found in leukocytes but not in erythrocytes.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that regulates erythrocyte production based on oxygen levels in the blood.