Plasma Proteins & Blood Components – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major terms and concepts related to plasma proteins, blood composition, electrophoresis, and associated clinical conditions.

Circulatory System

The body system consisting of the heart, blood, and blood vessels that transports substances throughout the body.

Blood

A transport medium composed of plasma and formed elements (RBCs, WBCs, platelets).

Plasma

Liquid portion of blood (about 55%) containing water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, wastes, and gases.

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)

Most abundant blood cells; carry oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

Cells that provide immune defense against pathogens.

Thrombocytes (Platelets)

Cell fragments essential for blood clotting.

Hematocrit

Percentage of whole blood occupied by packed red cells after centrifugation; normal ≈45% (men) / 42% (women).

Buffy Coat

Thin layer of leukocytes and platelets that forms between plasma and RBCs after centrifugation (<1% of blood).

Plasma Proteins

Proteins dissolved in plasma (albumins, globulins, fibrinogen) totaling ~6–8% of plasma weight.

Albumin

Most abundant plasma protein; major contributor to oncotic pressure and transport of many substances.

Globulins

Group of plasma proteins subdivided into alpha, beta, and gamma fractions with various transport and immune functions.

Fibrinogen

Plasma protein converted to fibrin during blood clotting; absent in serum.

Serum

Blood plasma lacking fibrinogen and clotting factors, obtained after coagulation.

Colloid Osmotic (Oncotic) Pressure

Osmotic pressure generated by plasma proteins that draws water into capillaries.

Oedema

Accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces often caused by low plasma oncotic pressure or high hydrostatic pressure.

Hyperproteinaemia

Elevated total plasma protein level, e.g., from dehydration or myeloma.

Hypoproteinaemia

Reduced total plasma protein level, common in liver disease, renal loss, or malabsorption.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)

Laboratory technique that separates serum proteins based on charge to produce characteristic bands.

Alpha (α) Globulins

Positively-charged globulin fraction including α1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin; migrates just behind albumin in SPE.

Beta (β) Globulins

Globulin fraction containing transferrin, LDL, and complement C3 that migrates after alpha globulins.

Gamma (γ) Globulins

Least negatively-charged serum proteins; chiefly immunoglobulins that increase after infection or vaccination.

Prealbumin (Transthyretin)

Small transport protein for thyroxine and retinol; migrates ahead of albumin in SPE.

α1-Antitrypsin

α1-globulin that inhibits proteases; deficiency associated with emphysema and liver disease.

Haptoglobin

α2-globulin that binds free hemoglobin; decreased in intravascular hemolysis.

Transferrin

β-globulin responsible for iron transport; saturation rises to 100% in haemochromatosis.

Caeruloplasmin

Copper-carrying α2-globulin reduced in Wilson’s disease and elevated during pregnancy.

α2-Macroglobulin

Large α2-globulin protease inhibitor that increases in nephrotic syndrome.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

β-lipoprotein that transports cholesterol to tissues; elevated levels raise cardiovascular risk.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

α-lipoprotein that transports cholesterol from tissues to liver for excretion.

Complement C3

Key component of the complement system found within β-globulin region.

Complement C4

Complement protein involved in immune response located near β-globulins in SPE.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

Most abundant antibody class in plasma; migrates within γ-globulin fraction.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Antibody found in mucosal areas; part of γ-globulin fraction.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

Largest antibody; first produced during acute infection; γ-globulin region.

Colloid

High-molecular-weight substance (e.g., protein) that remains in solution and exerts oncotic pressure.

Electrophoresis

Technique that moves charged molecules through a medium under an electric field for separation.

Densitometry

Quantitative measurement of protein bands after electrophoresis to determine relative concentrations.

Reticuloendothelial System

Network of phagocytic cells that clears hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes and other debris from circulation.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Renal disorder with heavy protein loss in urine, leading to hypoalbuminaemia and oedema.

Wilson’s Disease

Genetic disorder of copper metabolism causing low caeruloplasmin and copper accumulation in tissues.

Haemochromatosis

Iron overload condition in which transferrin becomes fully saturated with iron.

Malnutrition

Deficiency of nutrients that lowers hepatic protein synthesis, leading to hypoalbuminaemia.

Capillary Hydrostatic Pressure

Blood pressure within capillaries that tends to force fluid out into the interstitial space.

Overhydration

Excess body water that dilutes plasma proteins and can cause hypoalbuminaemia.

Myeloma

Plasma-cell malignancy producing a monoclonal protein spike on SPE and raising total protein.

Septicaemia

Bloodstream infection that increases capillary permeability, expanding albumin distribution volume.

Complement C3 & C4 Deficiency

Immune disorders marked by recurrent infections due to low complement proteins.