Cardiovascular System: Blood (copy)

Blood

A fluid connective tissue composed of cellular elements suspended in a liquid extracellular matrix (plasma).

Erythrocytes

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White Blood Cells (WBCs) that defend against pathogens and infections.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that are essential for blood clotting and hemostasis.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, predominantly water (approximately 92%), which carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Transportation

One of the primary functions of blood, involving the movement of nutrients, gases, hormones, and metabolic wastes within the body.

Homeostatic Regulation

A primary function of blood that involves maintaining stable internal conditions such as temperature and pH balance.

Hematocrit (PCV)

The percentage of total blood volume occupied by red blood cells; normal values are approximately 45%.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a depressed hematocrit percentage below normal standard thresholds.

Polycythemia

A condition involving an abnormally elevated hematocrit percentage.

Albumin

The most abundant plasma protein, synthesized by the liver, involved in transportation and maintaining osmotic pressure.

Globulins

A class of plasma proteins that transport various substances in the blood, including iron and fat-soluble vitamins.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein essential for blood clotting, forming fibrin during the clotting process.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

A standard laboratory measure of the average volume of red blood cells; normal range is 80 - 100 fL.

Platelet Count

A measure of the number of platelets in a volume of blood; standard range is 150 - 400 K/μL.

Neutrophil %

A differential count expressing the percentage of neutrophils in the blood; normal range is 49.0% - 74.0%.

pH of Blood

Maintained tightly between 7.35 and 7.45, indicating a slightly alkaline environment.

Viscosity of Blood

Blood is approximately 5 times more viscous than water, affecting blood flow and pressure.

Volume of Blood

Accounts for approximately 8% of total adult body weight, roughly 5-6 L in males and 4-5 L in females.

Thermoregulation

The ability of blood to absorb and redistribute heat throughout the body, contributing to temperature balance.