blood quiz definitions

Circulatory System

A system whose function is to carry nutrients and oxygen to cells, remove wastes, transport chemical signals, distribute heat, and maintain fluid levels.

Pulmonary Circuit

The part of the circulatory system that supplies blood to the lungs for gas exchange.

Systemic Circuit

The part of the circulatory system that supplies blood to the rest of the body.

Diffusion

The process by which unicellular or simple multicellular organisms exchange oxygen and wastes directly with their environment.

Plasma

The fluid portion of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume.

Albumins

Blood proteins in the plasma that balance the amount of water entering and leaving the bloodstream.

Globulins

Blood proteins that transport lipids, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins, and certain minerals.

Fibrinogen

A blood protein found in plasma that plays a key role in blood clotting.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Tiny, biconcave cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that increases the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

Heme

The iron-containing pigment portion of a hemoglobin molecule.

Oxyhemoglobin

The complex formed when oxygen binds to hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color.

Anemia

A condition characterized by low energy levels due to a deficiency in hemoglobin or red blood cells, which decreases oxygen delivery to tissues.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Cells that serve as the body's first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms.

Phagocytosis

The process by which white blood cells defend the body by engulfing and destroying harmful substances.

Platelets

Small cell fragments produced by bone marrow that initiate the blood clotting process.

Granular Leukocytes

A category of white blood cells (including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) containing chemicals that attack foreign material and microorganisms.

Agranular Leukocytes

A category of white blood cells including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Lymphocytes

A type of agranular leukocyte, some of which produce antibodies.

Monocytes

A type of agranular leukocyte that enlarges to become macrophages, which act as scavengers to engulf bacteria.

Pus

A substance produced by the remaining remnants of leukocytes and the materials they have engulfed.

What is the function of the circulatory system?

To carry nutrients and oxygen to cells, remove wastes, transport chemical signals, distribute heat, and maintain fluid levels.

What does the pulmonary circuit supply?

Blood to the lungs for gas exchange.

What is anemia?

A condition characterized by low energy levels due to a deficiency in hemoglobin or red blood cells.