Anatomy & Physiology: Introduction to the blood system

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the blood system, including blood components, functions, blood cell types, and related processes.

Blood

A liquid that fills the vascular compartment and serves to transport dissolved materials and blood cells throughout the body.

Respiration (Blood Function)

Supply of oxygen to tissue and cells, removal of carbon dioxide from tissues and cells.

Transport (Blood Function)

Nutrients to the tissues and cells and Waste products from cells to the kidney and liver; also transports messages such as hormones around the body.

Protection (Blood Function)

Protection from infection via the immune system.

Repair (Blood Function)

Repair of tissue damage.

Thermoregulation (Blood Function)

A function of blood.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells; transport oxygen and help transport carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes

White blood cells; function in defense and immunity.

Platelets

Involved in blood clotting.

Haematopoiesis (Hemopoiesis)

The formation of blood cells; occurs in bone marrow.

Red Marrow

Located in flat bones; produces most blood cells.

Yellow Marrow

Located in long bones; produces some WBCs.

Spleen

The largest “filter” of blood in the body. Removes old or damaged blood cells (engulfed by phagocytes).

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells; biconcave disks without a nucleus and mitochondria, responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Haemoglobin (Hb)

Responsible for the red appearance of RBC’s and binds to O2, CO2 and NO (can also bind CO) and transports these molecules around the body.

Blood Type A

A antigen and anti-B antibody. Compatible donor RBC types: A, O.

Blood Type B

B antigen and anti-A antibody. Compatible donor RBC types: B, O.

Blood Type AB

A and B antigens, neither antibody. Compatible donor RBC types: A, B, AB, O.

Blood Type O

Neither antigen, anti-A and anti-B antibody. Compatible donor RBC types: O.

Oxyhaemoglobin

Oxygenated state of hemoglobin; bright red in color.

Deoxyhaemoglobin

Deoxygenated state of hemoglobin; dark red in color.

Anemia

A reduced haemoglobin concentration in blood.

Neutrophil

A type of Leukocyte that plays a vital role in protection from bacterial infections through phagocytosis.

Eosinophils

A type of Leukocyte that Attacks parasites and is important in allergic responses

Basophils

A type of Leukocyte that Releases of histamine during inflammation and is not a phagocyte..

Monocytes

A type of Leukocyte that Ingests bacteria, dead cells and cellular debris through phagocytosis.

Lymphocytes

A type of Leukocyte with a central role in the immune system – protecting from infections, esp viral infections.

T-cells

Some lymphocytes attack pathogens directly.

B-cells

Some lymphocytes produce antibodies.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Provide immunological surveillance and kill virus infected cells and some tumour cells non- specifically i.e. part of innate immunity.

Platelets

Small anucleate fragments of large precursor cells called megakaryocytes – Roles in blood clotting and prevention of blood loss (haemostasis)