Chapter 13: Blood

Blood

A fluid connective tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood, composed mostly of water, that carries cells and dissolved substances.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide.

Hemoglobin

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen.

White blood cells (leukocytes)

Blood cells involved in defending the body against infection and disease.

Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell with visible granules in the cytoplasm; includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils

The most abundant white blood cells; they fight infection by engulfing bacteria.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that combat parasites and are involved in allergic reactions.

Basophils

White blood cells that release histamine during allergic responses.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without visible granules; includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that produce antibodies and regulate immune responses.

Monocytes

Large white blood cells that become macrophages and engulf pathogens and debris.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Cell fragments that help in blood clotting.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding through blood vessel constriction and clot formation.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting involving platelets and clotting factors.

Fibrin

An insoluble protein that forms a mesh to stabilize a blood clot.

Serum

Plasma without clotting proteins, remaining after blood has clotted.

Antigen

A protein marker on the surface of cells that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by lymphocytes that binds to specific antigens to neutralize them.

ABO blood group

A classification of human blood based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens.

Rh factor

An antigen found on red blood cells; individuals are either Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

Type O blood

Lacks both A and B antigens; universal donor type.

Type AB blood

Has both A and B antigens; universal recipient type.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Iron-deficiency anemia

Anemia caused by insufficient iron for hemoglobin production.

Pernicious anemia

A type of anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B₁₂ absorption.

Sickle cell anemia

A genetic disorder in which red blood cells become crescent-shaped and less efficient at carrying oxygen.

Leukemia

A cancer of the blood-forming tissues resulting in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder in which the blood lacks clotting factors, leading to excessive bleeding.

Septicemia

A life-threatening infection in which bacteria enter and multiply in the blood.

Polycythemia

A condition of having too many red blood cells, which thickens the blood.

Thrombocytopenia

A low platelet count that can lead to excessive bleeding.

Blood transfusion

The transfer of blood or blood components from one person to another.

Crossmatching

Testing donor and recipient blood compatibility before a transfusion.

Erythropoiesis

The process of red blood cell production, mainly occurring in red bone marrow.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

fibrinogenin

plasma protein that aids in blood clotting

serum albumin

plasma protein that helps maintain blood pressure

gamma globulin

part of globulin that aids in antibody synthesis

prothrombin

type of globulin that aids in blood coagulation