Hematology and Blood Composition Review

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to blood components, cell production, blood typing, and physiological functions.

Connective tissue

The classification of blood, which circulates throughout the body transporting vital substances and removing waste products.

Biconcave disc

The specific shape of mature red blood cells that increases surface area for gas exchange and allows flexibility within narrow capillaries.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume occupied by cellular elements, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Erythrocyte

Another term for a red blood cell, which is responsible for oxygen transport.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up about $55\%$ of its total volume and containing water, amino acids, proteins, carbs, lipids, and vitamins.

Platelets

Also known as thrombocytes, these play a crucial role in blood clotting by aggregating at injury sites to form a plug.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency in the number of red blood cells, which results in a lower percentage of packed red blood cells in a hematocrit test.

Type O negative

The blood type of universal donors whose red blood cells lack A, B, and Rh antigens.

Type AB positive

The blood type of universal recipients who have A and B antigens as well as the Rh factor on their red blood cells.

Agglutination

The clumping together of red blood cells that occurs when incompatible blood types are mixed and antibodies react with antigens.

Bone marrow

The primary site for the formation of most blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells (except some lymphocytes and monocytes), and platelets.

The kidneys

The organs that primarily control the process of maintaining normal blood volumes through the regulation of water and salt balance.

Erythropoiesis

The specific process of red blood cell production that occurs mainly in the bone marrow.

Transport, Regulation, and Protection

The $3$ primary functions of blood, involving the movement of nutrients, maintenance of pH and temperature, and defense against infection or blood loss.