Chapter 7 Study Guide: Medical Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering word breakdowns, hematologic terms, laboratory tests, and lymphatic system anatomy and physiology from the Chapter 7 Study Guide.

Leukemia

A progressive malignant disease of blood-forming organs; broken down into leuk/o (white) and -emia (blood condition).

Leukocyte

A white blood cell; broken down into leuk/o (white) and -cyte (cell).

Lymphoid

Resembling or derived from lymph or lymphatic tissue; broken down into lymph/o (lymph) and -oid (resembling).

Hemostasis

The stopping or controlling of blood flow or bleeding; broken down into hem/o (blood) and -stasis (stopping or controlling).

Rh+ blood

Blood that possesses the Rh (Rhesus) factor antigen on the surface of its red blood cells.

Clotting panel

A group of diagnostic tests (such as prothrombin time [PT], partial thromboplastin time [PTT], and INR) that evaluate coagulation mechanisms and blood clotting efficiency.

Mean corpuscular volume

A laboratory measurement indicating the average size and volume of red blood cells (erythrocytes).

WBC differential

A laboratory test that shows the percentage and count of each specific type of white blood cell present in a blood sample.

Lymph

A clear, watery extracellular fluid collected from tissues that circulates through lymphatic vessels back to the bloodstream.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood in which cells, platelets, nutrients, electrolytes, and metabolic wastes are suspended.

Functions of the lymphatic system

Returning excess interstitial fluid to the blood, absorbing and transporting dietary fats, and mediating immune responses.

Regions lacking lymphatic capillaries

Body tissues where lymphatic vessels and capillaries do not penetrate interstitial spaces, including the central nervous system, bone marrow, and avascular tissues (cartilage, epidermis, and cornea).

Major lymph node locations

The principal anatomical sites where lymph nodes are concentrated, specifically the cervical (neck), axillary (armpit), and inguinal (groin) regions.

Interstitial fluid

The extracellular fluid filling the microscopic spaces between tissue cells, derived from filtered blood plasma.

Immunization

The process of inducing immunity and resistance to an infectious disease, typically through vaccine administration.

Agglutinate

To clump together, referring specifically to the clumping of cells, red blood cells, or bacteria in the presence of specific antibodies.