Chapter 13 | Blood

Blood

A specialized connective tissue responsible for transportation of nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste.

Hemostasis

The process to stop bleeding, involving blood clotting.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood, containing water, proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Cells that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Cells that protect the body against infections and aid in the immune response.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help in blood clotting.

Anemia

A blood disorder characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Leukemia

Cancer of blood-forming tissues, resulting in the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation.

Erythrocytes

Another name for red blood cells.

Leukocytes

Another name for white blood cells.

Thrombocytes

Another term for platelets.

Acidosis

A condition occurring when blood pH falls below 7.35.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Globulins

Proteins in plasma that play roles in immune response.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein essential for blood clot formation.

Serum

Plasma without clotting factors.

Microcytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by smaller-than-normal red blood cells, often associated with iron deficiency.

Macrocytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by larger-than-normal red blood cells, often linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Hypochromic Anemia

Anemia characterized by low hemoglobin content in red blood cells.

Hyperchromic Anemia

Anemia characterized by high hemoglobin content in red blood cells.

Polycythemia

Overproduction of red blood cells.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin structure, leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells.

Thalassemia

An inherited condition that causes abnormal hemoglobin synthesis.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

A condition in which an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, leading to hemolysis of fetal red blood cells.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of lymphocyte that kills virus-infected and cancerous cells without prior sensitization.

Neutrophils

The most numerous type of white blood cell, first responders to infections.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that combat multicellular parasites and are involved in allergic reactions.

Basophils

White blood cells that release histamine and heparin during inflammation.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells involved in adaptive immunity.

Monocytes

White blood cells that differentiate into macrophages and phagocytize larger particles.

Leukopenia

An abnormally low white blood cell count.

Leukocytosis

An elevated white blood cell count.

Thrombus

A stationary blood clot that can obstruct blood flow.

Embolus

A dislodged clot that travels in the bloodstream, potentially causing obstructions.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in specific clotting factors, causing excessive bleeding.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)

A medication that dissolves existing clots, used in heart attacks and strokes.

Vitamin K

An essential nutrient for the synthesis of clotting factors.

Prothrombin Time Test

A test to measure how long it takes blood to clot.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Serum Sickness

An immune reaction that can occur after the administration of certain therapies or antiserum.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own cells.

Bone Marrow Aspiration

A procedure to sample bone marrow to diagnose blood disorders.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A laboratory test measuring levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

Platelet Plug Formation

The initial step in blood clotting where platelets adhere to site of injury.

Clotting Cascade

A series of chemical reactions that lead to blood clot formation.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a low platelet count.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most common type of anemia, resulting from insufficient iron.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

Anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12, leading to macrocytic red blood cells.

Folate Deficiency Anemia

Anemia caused by insufficient folate, leading to macrocytic red blood cells.

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

An autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts.

Hemolytic Anemia

A type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

A type of leukemia that affects children and involves an overproduction of lymphoblasts.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

A common type of leukemia in older adults characterized by increased lymphocyte production.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

A slow-progressing leukemia affecting granulocyte precursors.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

A rapidly progressing form of leukemia that affects both adults and children.

Multiple Myeloma

A cancer of plasma cells that leads to bone damage and recurrent infections.

Blood Donation

The process of giving blood for transfusion or medical use.

Aleukemic Leukemia

A rare form of leukemia that lacks the abnormal number of white cells at diagnosis.

Stem Cell Transplantation

A medical procedure used to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

RhoGAM

A medication used to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers.

Calcium Ions

Essential ions required for activation of several clotting factors.

Oxyhemoglobin

Oxygen bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Bicarbonate

A crucial buffer for maintaining blood pH, formed from carbon dioxide.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clot formation.

Thrombolytics

Medications that dissolve blood clots.

Plasma Expanders

Substances used to temporarily increase blood volume.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and removes old or damaged red blood cells.

Lymph Nodes

Nodes that help the body to filter out foreign substances and are important in immune function.

Histamine

A compound released by basophils that promotes inflammation.

Heparin

An anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clotting.

Spleenectomy

Surgical removal of the spleen.

Chemotherapy

The use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Phlebotomy

The process of drawing blood.

Bone Marrow Dysfunction

Impaired function of bone marrow, affecting blood cell production.

Recurrent Infections

Frequent infections due to impaired immune response.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies.

T Cells

Lymphocytes that attack infected or cancerous cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Glossitis

Infection of the tongue, often seen in anemia.

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen, often associated with blood disorders.

Cytology

The study of cells for diagnostic purposes.

Immune Response

The body's defense mechanism against pathogens.

Clot Formation

The process of blood coagulation to prevent loss of blood after injury.

Hyperkalemia

An excess of potassium in the bloodstream, which can occur with certain blood disorders.

Electrolytes

Ions in the blood that help maintain fluid balance and are crucial for physiological functions.

Fibroblasts

Cells that synthesize extracellular matrix and collagen, important for tissue repair.

Cyanosis

A bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen.

Molecular Biology

The field of biology that deals with the structure and function of macromolecules essential to life.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential nutrients in the diet, leading to various health issues.

Genetic Disorders

Diseases caused by mutations in genes.

Radiation Exposure

Contact with harmful levels of radiation, often leading to health issues.

Toxic Chemicals

Substances that can cause harm to biological systems.

Functional Iron Deficiency

A condition where iron is available but not utilized properly.