A liquid that contains plasma, and cellular and formed elements such as erythrocytes (RBC), leukocytes (WBC), and thrombocytes (platelets).
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Erythrocytes (RBC)
Mature red blood cells that do not have a nucleus, live for about 90-120 days, transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide.
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Leukocytes (WBC)
White blood cells that are categorized into two groups: granular (e.g., neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils) and agranular (e.g., monocytes, lymphocytes).
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Neutrophils
Granular WBCs that serve as the first line of defense in the body, are phagocytic, and have a lilac-stained appearance.
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Erythropoiesis
The process of RBC production stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin produced by the kidneys.
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Thrombopoietin (TPO)
A hormone produced by the liver that stimulates the formation of platelets.
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Closed circulatory system
A system in which blood circulates within blood vessels, found in humans and other vertebrates.
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Open circulatory system
A system where blood mixes with interstitial fluid and is pumped into a body cavity, found in arthropods and mollusks, with the mixture called hemolymph.
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Atria
The upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.
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Ventricles
The lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out of the heart.
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Systole
The contraction phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart pumps blood.
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Diastole
The relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart fills with blood.
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Capillary beds
Networks of capillaries that are the sites of chemical exchange between the blood and interstitial fluid.
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Cardiac output
The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, dependent on heart rate and stroke volume.
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SA Node
The pacemaker of the heart located in the chest that generates electrical signals to initiate heart contractions.
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Blood pressure
The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured in millimeters of mercury.
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Anemia
A condition caused by inadequate red blood cell production.
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Leukemia
A cancer caused by genetic changes that affect blood cells produced in the bone marrow.
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Phagocytes
A type of white blood cell that engulfs and destroys bacteria and debris through a process called phagocytosis.
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Thrombus
A blood clot that can block blood flow, potentially leading to serious health issues.