Human Circulatory System and Blood Typing

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the components of the human cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, blood composition, blood typing mechanics, and the Rh factor as described in the lecture notes.

Cardiovascular System

A division of the circulatory system in which blood is pumped around the body by the heart.

Lymphatic System

A division of the circulatory system in which lymph is carried throughout the mammalian body.

Plasma

The straw-coloured liquid component making up approximately $55\%$ of blood, consisting of $92\%$ water, $7\%$ plasma proteins, and $1\%$ other solutes.

Erythrocytes

Also known as Red Blood Cells (RBCs), these tiny, biconcave disc-shaped cells lack a nucleus and mitochondria at maturity and transport $O_2$ and $CO_2$.

Hemoglobin

The water solution found in the cytoplasm of erythrocytes that is involved in the transport of gases.

Leukocytes

Also known as White Blood Cells (WBCs), these colourless cells with a nucleus are larger than red blood cells and function to fight infection.

Thrombocytes

Also known as platelets, these tiny, colourless fragments of cells are produced in the bone marrow and are responsible for blood clotting.

Centrifuge

A machine with a rapidly rotating container that applies centrifugal force to separate fluids of different densities or liquids from solids.

Karl Landsteiner

The Austrian physician who discovered the four major human blood types: A, B, AB, and O in the early 1900s.

Antigens

Special proteins or markers located on red blood cells; the two involved in major blood typing are called A and B.

Antibody

A large, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma cells used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens or foreign substances in the blood.

Agglutination

The clumping together of red blood cells due to an antigen-antibody reaction, often occurring if wrong blood types are mixed during a transfusion.

Universal Donors

Individuals with blood type O, whose red blood cells contain no antigens and can be transfused into people with other blood types in emergencies.

Universal Recipients

Individuals with blood type AB, whose plasma contains no antibodies and can receive transfusions from other blood types in emergencies.

Rh Factor

Also called the D antigen, this is a protein present on the surface of internal red blood cells; it is present in $85\%$ of people ($Rh+$) and absent in $15\%$ ($Rh-$).

Hemolytic Disease

Also known as Rhesus Disease, this occurs when a mother's body attacks the baby because she is sensitized against the Rh factor during pregnancy.