Study Guide

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, comprising about 55% of its volume, containing water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Hemocytoblast

A stem cell in red bone marrow responsible for producing all blood cells.

Erythrocytes (RBCs)

Red blood cells that transport oxygen with hemoglobin and carry some carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes (WBCs)

White blood cells that are part of the immune system, protecting the body against infection.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of WBC that fights bacteria and acts as first responders during infection.

Eosinophils

WBCs that fight parasites and are involved in allergic responses.

Basophils

WBCs that release histamine and heparin to promote inflammation.

Monocytes

WBCs that differentiate into macrophages and perform phagocytosis (engulfing pathogens).

Lymphocytes

WBCs that include B cells (producing antibodies) and T cells (mediating cellular immunity).

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Cell fragments in blood that are essential for blood clotting.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is composed of red blood cells.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a low hematocrit or low hemoglobin levels.

Polycythemia

A condition with an increased hematocrit, leading to thicker blood.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a low platelet count, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Coagulation

The process by which blood transforms from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot.

ABO Blood Types

A classification of blood types based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on red blood cells.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

A form of anemia caused by insufficient iron, leading to low hemoglobin levels.

Leukopenia

A condition characterized by a low white blood cell count, indicating immune suppression.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated using the formula CO = HR × SV.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each contraction.

Cardiac Tamponade

A medical condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, restricting heart function.

Hypertension

A condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure.

Fluid Balance

The maintenance of the amount and composition of fluids in the body, critical for proper physiological function.

Aneurysm

An abnormal bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel wall.

Septicemia

A severe and widespread infection that can lead to sepsis and is characterized by the presence of bacteria in the blood.