Ch20 L8 Blood Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts from the cardiovascular system and blood, focusing on blood composition, functions, and types of blood cells.

What are the primary functions of the cardiovascular system?

Transportation of substances, maintaining body temperature, pH, ion concentration, and homeostasis.

What types of cells are erythrocytes?

Red blood cells.

What types of cells are leukocytes?

White blood cells.

What percentage of the blood volume does plasma constitute?

Approximately 55%.

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

To transport oxygen and a little bit of carbon dioxide.

What is the primary protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen?

Hemoglobin.

What are antibodies in relation to antigens?

Antibodies react with antigens that are not present in one's own erythrocytes.

What blood type has both A and B surface antigens?

Type AB blood.

What happens during agglutination?

Antibodies bind to antigens on the surface of red blood cells, causing clumping.

What is the normal range of white blood cells per microliter of blood?

About 6,000 to 9,000.

What are the two main categories of leukocytes?

Granulocytes and agranulocytes.

What are the three types of granulocytes?

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

What is the most abundant type of white blood cell?

Neutrophils.

What role do monocytes play in the immune system?

They differentiate into macrophages (acts as a primary defender in the innate immune system) that engulf pathogens.

What are the major roles of T-cells and B-cells?

T-cells (mature in the thymus) attack foreign cells; B-cells (mature in the bone marrow) secrete antibodies.

T cells destroy internally compromised cells (ex: cancer); B cells target extracellular pathogens via antibodies.

What is hematopoiesis?

The process of blood cell formation.

What is the key hormone that drives erythropoiesis?

Erythropoietin.

Where do lymphocytes mature?

In peripheral lymphatic tissue such as lymph nodes, spleen, or thymus.

What is the major distinction between plasma and interstitial fluid?

Plasma has a higher concentration of proteins compared to interstitial fluid.

What type of leukemia affects only lymphocytes?

Lymphocytic leukemia.

What are platelets primarily involved in?

Hemostasis or blood clotting.