Discussion 9 - Blood Analysis

Blood

The circulating tissue of the body that carries out various functions such as transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products, regulating pH and temperature, and aiding in the body's defense against bacterial diseases.

Lymph

A liquid that bathes the body cells and blood vessels, facilitating the transfer of materials between the blood and body cells.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that contain hemoglobin and are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide.

Hemoglobin

A pigment found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide, facilitating their transport in the blood.

Heme

The red pigment in hemoglobin that contains iron and is closely related to chlorophyll.

Globin

A protein component of hemoglobin that is bound to heme and is made up of specific amino acid sequences.

Normal adult hemoglobin (hemoglobin A)

The main type of hemoglobin found in adults.

Fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F)

Hemoglobin found in fetuses.

Embryonic hemoglobin (hemoglobin E)

Hemoglobin found in embryos.

Methemoglobin

An abnormal hemoglobin pigment that does not transport oxygen or carbon dioxide and contains ferric ion.

Carboxyhemoglobin

An abnormal hemoglobin pigment that cannot transport oxygen but has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide.

Sulfhemoglobin

An abnormal hemoglobin pigment that combines with hydrogen sulfide, cannot transport oxygen, and can combine with carbon monoxide.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that has bound to molecular oxygen and appears scarlet in color.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the percentage of hemoglobin.

Pernicious anemia

A type of anemia caused by a decrease in the activity of blood-building tissues.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that play a role in the body's defense against diseases, particularly through phagocytosis.

Leucocytosis

A condition characterized by an increase in the number of white blood cells.

Leucopenia

A condition characterized by a decrease in the number of white blood cells.

Platelets

Small disc-shaped cells involved in blood clotting through the action of thrombin.

Thrombosis

Intravascular clotting that requires antiprothrombin to prevent the conversion of prothrombin by thromboplastin.

Anti-clotting Agents

Substances that prevent blood clotting, including oxalates, citrates, heparin, hirudin, and dicuramol.

Hemophilia

A disease characterized by greatly increased clotting time or the inability to clot due to a lack of thromboplastin. It is inherited and appears mainly in males.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up 55% of its volume.

Albumin

A plasma protein that increases blood viscosity and osmotic pressure. It has the highest concentration and lowest molecular weight among plasma proteins.

Nephrosis

A disease where a large amount of albumin is excreted in the urine.