Blood and the Cardiovascular System

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to blood and the cardiovascular system based on lecture notes.

Cardiovascular System

The system comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Hematopoiesis

The synthesis of blood cells from a single progenitor cell.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced in the kidney that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

The main protein component of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a reduced ability of blood to carry oxygen due to low RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, or hematocrit.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition where there is a decreased number of platelets in the blood, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Leukocyte

White blood cells that are integral to the immune system.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cell, important for fighting bacterial infections.

Monocytes

A type of white blood cell that differentiates into macrophages to engulf and destroy pathogens.

Gamma Globulins

A subclass of serum proteins critical for immune response, including antibodies.

Viscosity

A measure of a fluid's thickness or stickiness, important for blood circulation.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes, essential for blood clotting.

Albumins

Proteins in blood plasma that help regulate osmotic pressure.

Oxygen Carrying Capacity

The ability of blood to carry oxygen, influenced by RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit.

Polychromatic

Refers to erythrocytes that have a varied color appearance due to differences in hemoglobin content.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid that is found within the cells, making up about 60% of total body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid that is found outside of the cells, including interstitial fluid and plasma, accounting for about 40% of total body fluid.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside cells, comprising about 28L (or 2/3rd of total body fluid). Composition: – water = 90+% – protein = 8% (Albumins, gamma-globulins, fibrinogen, carriers) – everything else = 2% (Ions, gases, nutrients, other)

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside of the cells, comprising about 14L (or 1/3rd of total body fluid). ECF is composed of: – Interstitial fluid (10-11L) – Plasma (3L) – Transcellular fluid (0-1L). Composition: – water = 90+% – protein = 8% (Albumins, gamma-globulins, fibrinogen, carriers) – everything else = 2% (Ions, gases, nutrients, other)

Total Blood Volume

The total blood volume is the sum of plasma and formed elements, averaging about 5-5.5L

Leukopoietin

A hormone that stimulates the production of white blood cells (WBC), which are integral to the immune system.

Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF)

A specific subtype of leukopoietin that stimulates the production of particular types of white blood cells

Cells Produced

25% = RBC, 75% = WBC.

Lifespan of RBC

3-4 months

Lifespan of WBC

Minimum lifespan varies depending on type

Reticulocyte

Immature RBC with nucleus.

Oxyhemoglobin

Heme-O2; Fe3+ (oxidized) = red.

Deoxyhemoglobin

No O2; Fe2+ (reduced) = blue (cyan).

Carbaminohemoglobin

AA-CO2; Carried on amino acid (AA).

Carboxyhemoglobin

Heme-CO; Carbon monoxide competitive inhibitors of O2 with 200 times higher affinity.

Hemoglobin Components

Hb is broken up into 3 parts: 1. Protein - Digested -> AA pool - Recycled 2. Fe - Bone marrow -> heme - Recycled 3. Heme - Bilirubin -> secreted.

Normal Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, typically greater than 42% in males and 34% to 46% in females.

Oxygen Saturation (Lungs to Tissues)

The oxygen saturation in the lungs to tissues is 99%.

Oxygen Saturation (Tissues to Lungs)

The oxygen saturation from tissues back to the lungs is 70%.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a reduced ability of blood to carry oxygen due to low RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, or hematocrit. Anemia is caused by: 1. Reduced RBC number 2. Insufficient [Hb] (too little Hb) 3. Inadequate Hb (quality problem)

Cell Size: '-cytic'

-DNA-based problem. Microcytic = too small, Normocytic = just right, Macrocytic = too big.

Hb Amount: '-chromic'

-RNA-based problem. Hypochromic = too little Hb, Normochromic = normal Hb, Hyperchromic = too much Hb

Microcytic, Hypochromic Anemia

Most prevalent type of anemia. Causes include: Iron-deficiency and Chronic Infection. The body sequesters iron in the liver to fight infection.

Macrocytic, Normochromic Anemia

Associated with pernicious anemia and B12 deficiency/absorption issues.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia Prevalence

Women: 20%, Men: 3%, Children: 20%

Myeloproliferative Disorders

Conditions characterized by the overproduction of blood cells due to abnormal proliferation of bone marrow cells.

Polycythemia Vera (PV)

A myeloproliferative disorder marked by increased blood viscosity. Can be OK in athletes but bad for smokers.

Leukocytosis

An increase in white blood cells. Can be OK in response to infection but bad in cases of leukemia.

Myeloid

Related to the bone marrow.

Lymphoid

Related to the lymphatic system.

Thrombocytosis

An increase in platelet count. Can be OK in cases of injury but bad as it increases the risk of thrombosis.

Anemia

A condition marked by too little red blood cells.

Leukopenia

A decrease in white blood cell count; always pathological and indicates immunocompromised status.

Thrombopenia

A condition characterized by decreased clotting due to low platelet count

Diapedesis

The process by which white blood cells squeeze through capillaries into tissue to fight infection.

Basophil

A type of white blood cell that releases histamine, serotonin, and heparin during inflammatory responses.

Histamine

Causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Serotonin

Increases capillary permeability, allowing substances to pass through more easily.

Heparin

An anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clotting.