UNIT VIII: THE HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the hematologic system, aiding in the understanding of blood components, conditions, and disorders.

Composition of Blood

Blood consists of 92% water and 8% solutes, including plasma (50%-55% of blood volume), which contains proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for tissue oxygenation; they are anucleate, biconcave cells that contain hemoglobin.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that defend the body against infection; includes granulocytes and agranulocytes.

Platelets

Cytoplasmic fragments crucial for blood coagulation and controlling bleeding; they assist in forming a platelet plug.

Hemoglobin

An oxygen-carrying protein in erythrocytes, consisting of polypeptide chains and iron-protoporphyrin complexes.

Anemia

A reduction in total erythrocytes or hemoglobin in blood, classified by size and hemoglobin content.

Hypoxia

A deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, which can result from anemia or other conditions affecting oxygen delivery.

Talassemia

An inherited disorder affecting hemoglobin production, leading to anemia and various clinical manifestations depending on the type.

Bone Marrow

The primary site of hematopoiesis where blood stem cells differentiate into various blood cells.

Leukocytosis

An increase in the number of white blood cells, often a normal protective response to infection.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of granulocyte and vital for early inflammatory responses by acting as phagocytes.

Eosinophils

A type of granulocyte involved in combating allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

Basophils

The least common type of granulocyte, which releases histamine during allergic reactions.

Lymphocytes

A type of agranulocyte involved in the immune response, including B and T cells.

Antigen-Presenting Cells

Cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, that process and present antigens to lymphocytes.

Hypersplenism

An overactive spleen that can cause destruction of blood cells, leading to anemia or thrombocytopenia.

Coagulation Factors

Blood proteins involved in the coagulation cascade that are essential for blood clotting.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a lower than normal platelet count, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Hemostasis

The process of blood vessel repair following injury to prevent excessive bleeding.

Hematopoiesis

The production of blood cells in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, essential for maintaining normal blood levels.

Microcytic-Hypochromic Anemia

Anemia characterized by small, pale red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency.

Macrocytic Anemia

Anemia caused by impaired DNA synthesis leading to larger than normal red blood cells, often due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Myelosuppressive Disorders

Conditions that lead to decreased bone marrow activity, resulting in reduced numbers of blood cells.

Sickle Cell Disease

An inherited disorder causing red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, leading to obstructed blood flow and painful crises.

Multiple Myeloma

A cancer of plasma cells that leads to excessive production of abnormal antibodies, resulting in bone pain and other systemic issues.

Lymphomas

Cancers originating from lymphatic tissues, classified as either Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Splenomegaly

An enlargement of the spleen that can occur due to various conditions including infection and hemolysis.

Inherited Hemolytic Anemia

Disorders characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to anemia and often jaundice.