Functions and Composition of Blood

These flashcards cover the key functions, characteristics, and disorders of blood, focusing on its composition and roles in the body.

Functions of Blood

The key functions include transport (oxygen, nutrients, hormones), regulation (body temperature, pH), and protection (immune defense, clotting).

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up 55%, containing water, proteins (albumin, fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, gases, and waste.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen via hemoglobin and lack a nucleus.

Albumin

A plasma protein that maintains osmotic pressure in the blood.

Erythropoietin

A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells comprised of 4 globin chains and 4 heme groups, responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in the immune response; classified into granulocytes (e.g., neutrophils, eosinophils) and agranulocytes (e.g., lymphocytes, monocytes).

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

ABO Blood Type

A classification system for blood based on the presence of antigens; includes types A, B, AB, and O.