Blood and Lymphatic System Review

A series of flashcards to review key concepts related to the blood and lymphatic system.

What are the main functions of blood?

Transport, regulation, and protection.

Why is blood classified as a connective tissue?

Blood has a nonliving fluid matrix called plasma and living cells suspended in it.

What percentage of whole blood is made up of erythrocytes?

Approximately 45%.

What is hematocrit?

The percent of blood volume that is RBCs.

What is the primary component of blood plasma?

About 90% water, plus dissolved solutes like nutrients, gases, and proteins.

What is the role of hemoglobin in erythrocytes?

Hemoglobin binds reversibly with oxygen for gas transport.

What is the lifespan of erythrocytes?

100–120 days.

What is the function of platelets in hemostasis?

They form a temporary platelet plug to seal breaks in blood vessels.

What is the role of erythropoietin (EPO)?

A hormone that stimulates the formation of RBCs.

What are the types of leukocytes?

Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and agranulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes).

What is the main function of lymph nodes?

They cleanse lymph and activate the immune system.

How are T cells and B cells different in terms of maturation?

T cells mature in the thymus; B cells mature in red bone marrow.

What is MALT?

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, which protects from pathogens in mucous membranes.

What happens to hemoglobin in the process of RBC breakdown?

It is split into heme, iron, and globin; iron is stored for reuse and heme is degraded to bilirubin.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Fatigue, pallor, dyspnea, and chills.

What is the primary structure and function of the thymus?

A bilobed organ where T cells mature.

What do macrophages do in the lymphatic system?

They phagocytize foreign substances and activate T cells.

What factors can lead to hypoxia and stimulate EPO production?

Decreased RBC numbers, insufficient hemoglobin, or reduced O2 availability.

What are the three main steps of hemostasis?

Vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

What can result in thromboembolic conditions?

Undesirable clot formation leading to potential blockage.

What constitutes a disorder of hemostasis?

Abnormalities leading to bleeding disorders or thromboembolic disorders.

How do lymphatic vessels contribute to fluid balance?

They return interstitial fluid and leaked plasma proteins back to the blood.

What is the function of plasma proteins?

They contribute to osmotic pressure, transport substances, and play roles in immunity and blood coagulation.

What is the role of neutrophils in the body?

They are the most abundant type of white blood cells and play a key role in the immune response by engulfing and destroying bacteria.

How do red blood cells (RBCs) differ in structure from other cells?

RBCs have a biconcave shape, lack a nucleus, and contain hemoglobin.

What is a complete blood count (CBC)?

A common blood test that measures various components of blood, including red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.

What are antibodies?

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically recognize and bind to antigens.

What triggers the clotting cascade?

Endothelial injury, which exposes collagen and activates platelets.

What is the role of the spleen in blood health?

The spleen filters blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and houses immune cells.

Define leukopenia. What can cause it?

A decrease in white blood cells; it can be caused by bone marrow disorders, certain infections, or autoimmune diseases.

What is the function of macrophages in phagocytosis?

They engulf and digest pathogens and debris in tissues.

What is the significance of blood type in transfusions?

Blood type determines compatibility for transfusions; incompatible transfusions can lead to serious immune reactions

Blood has a nonliving fluid matrix called _.

plasma.

The percent of blood volume that is RBCs is known as _.

hematocrit.

A hormone that stimulates the formation of RBCs is called _.

erythropoietin (EPO).

are proteins produced by B cells that specifically recognize and bind to antigens.

Antibodies.

The three main steps of hemostasis are vascular spasm, _ plug formation, and coagulation.

platelet.