The Cardiovascular System: (copy)

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that increases RBC precursors; stimulates red blood cell production

Thrombopoietin (TPO)

A hormone from the liver that stimulates platelet formation.

Cytokines

Local hormones of bone marrow; stimulate WBC production; comes from pluripotent stem cells (hemocytoblasts)

Leukopoietin

Cytokine that stimulates white blood cell production; derived from pluripotent stem cells.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Cells that contain hemoglobin, carry oxygen; biconcave discs; no nucleus

Hemoglobin

Made up of four polypeptide chains that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide; heme- contains iron

Transport of O2, CO2, and Nitric Oxide

hemoglobin carries 4 O2; transports 23% of CO2 waste; transports nitric oxide helping to regulate BP

Erythropoiesis

The process by which red blood cells are produced.

Reticulocyte

immature RBC with a nucleus

Biliverdin

A green pigment that is converted to bilirubin, a yellow pigment

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

larger than erythrocytes; have a nucleus; involved in the immune response; adhere to walls of blood vessels then squeeze between endothelial cells to enter surrounding tissue

Granulocytes

contain cytoplasmic granules that released when activated

Agranulocytes

lack visible granules

Neutrophils (polymorphonucleocyte)

most abundant type of white blood cells that act as phagocytes; Chemotaxis - exit bloodstream and release granules in damaged tissue

Eosinophils

deal with parasitic infections and mediate allergic responses; bilobed nucleus

Basophils

least common; s-shaped nucleus; mediate inflammation

Monocyte

horseshoe shaped nucleus; largest WBC; differentiate into macrophages; phagocytic

Lymphocyte

oval nucleus; increase number during viral infections

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Disc-shaped cell fragments with no nucleus, important for blood clotting; formed by hematopoiesis

Hemostasis

prevents blood loss and hemorrhage via spasms and coagulation

Agglutinins

Substances, often antibodies, that cause clumping of particles such as cells.

Agglutinogens

Proteins on foreign cells that trigger an immune response.

Vitamin K

A vitamin needed for the synthesis of proteins required for blood clotting.

Thrombus

A stationary blood clot, often leading to complications.

Embolus

A floating blood clot that can obstruct blood vessels.

Jaundice

caused by excess bilirubin in the liver; yellow skin

Leukopenia

low level of WBC

Sepsis

the body responds improperly to an infection; causes organs to work poorly

Type A Blood

a - antigen

Type B Blood

b - antigen

Type AB Blood

A and B antigens

Type O Blood

no antigens; universal donor

Hematoma

bruise

Hematocrit

number of RBC in a sample of blood