Untitled Flashcard Set

Function of the Blood System

Blood is a transport system for nutrients, gases, hormones, wastes, white blood cells, and platelets.

Plasma

Clear fluid that holds cells in suspension and comprises 55% of blood volume.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells formed in bone marrow, living approximately 120 days and carrying oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that include granulocytes and agranulocytes and are involved in the immune response.

Thrombocytes

Platelets involved in blood clotting, formed in red bone marrow.

Hemoglobin

Protein in erythrocytes that carries oxygen.

Erythropoietin

Hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Agglutination

Clumping of blood cells, which can occur during transfusion reactions.

Anemia

Condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Purpura

Condition caused by platelet deficiency, leading to bleeding under the skin.

Leukemia

Cancer characterized by an increase in malignant white blood cells.

Thrombocytopenia

Condition involving a decrease in platelet cells, causing excessive bleeding.

RBC

Abbreviation for Red Blood Cell.

WBC

Abbreviation for White Blood Cell.

CD

Complete Blood Count, a laboratory test that determines levels of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A test that determines the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices in a blood sample.

Antigens

Substances that induce an immune response, notably when incompatible blood types mix.

Antibodies

Proteins in the immune system that recognize and neutralize foreign substances.

Natural Immunity

Resistance to infection that is present at birth.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity that is developed through lymphocytes in response to specific antigens.

T cells

Type of lymphocyte involved in cell-mediated immunity.

B cells

Type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies against specific antigens.