Study Guide: Blood

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to blood and blood disorders.

Beta thalassemia

A blood disorder characterized by the inability to produce normal red blood cells due to genetic inheritance.

Hypochromia

Lack of color in blood, often a sign of anemia.

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen, which can occur in various blood disorders.

Hematocrit

The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells; used to diagnose disorders like leukemia and anemia.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in the immune response.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen for transport.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Phagocytes

A type of leukocyte that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Monocytes

A type of leukocyte that differentiates into macrophages and dendritic cells to respond to infections.

Dendritic cells

Immune cells that process antigen material and present it on the surface to T cells.

Lymphocytes

Type of leukocyte involved in the adaptive immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Universal donor

Refers to type O negative blood, which lacks antigens that can trigger an immune response.

Punnett square

A diagram used to predict the genetic outcome of crosses between parents based on Mendelian inheritance.

What is the role of platelets in homeostasis?

Platelets, or thrombocytes, play a crucial role in stopping bleeding by adhering to blood vessel injuries and forming a clot. They release chemical signals that attract more platelets and promote the clotting process.

Key events in the role of plasma proteins in homeostasis:

1. Vascular spasm: Constriction of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.
2. Platelet plug formation: Platelets aggregate to form a temporary seal at the site of injury.
3. Coagulation: Plasma proteins, including fibrinogen, are converted to fibrin, which strengthens the platelet plug.
4. Clot retraction: The clot contracts to decrease its size, which helps stabilize the injury site.
5. Tissue repair: Growth factors released by platelets and plasma proteins promote healing of the damaged tissue.

Why is type O negative blood called a universal donor?

Type O negative blood is called a universal donor because it lacks A and B antigens on the surface of its red blood cells, making it compatible with all blood types. This means it can be given to any patient in need of a transfusion without the risk of an immune reaction

How does normal blood compare to blood with beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease?

Normal blood contains healthy red blood cells that maintain their shape and function properly, facilitating efficient oxygen transport. In beta thalassemia, there is insufficient hemoglobin production, causing anemia and resulting in smaller, less effective red blood cells. In sickle cell disease, red blood cells are abnormally shaped like a crescent or sickle, leading to blockages in blood vessels, pain, and reduced oxygen delivery