Blood System Notes Review

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the blood system, including types of cells, their functions, and related conditions.

Hematocrit

The percentage of erythrocytes in blood.

Leukocytosis

Excess numbers of leukocytes in the blood.

Erythrocyte

Type of cell that contains hemoglobin for gas transport.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced mainly by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Buffy coat

The layer in a centrifuged blood sample that contains leukocytes and platelets.

Hemostasis

The process of blood clotting.

Fibrinolysis

The process of breaking down fibrin in blood clots.

Granular leukocytes

Types of leukocytes (WBCs) that have visible granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Agranular leukocytes

Types of leukocytes (WBCs) that do not have visible granules, including monocytes and lymphocytes.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that are cell fragments involved in the clotting process.

Monocytes

A type of agranular leukocyte that functions in immune defense.

Basophil

A granular leukocyte involved in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions.

Eosinophil

A granular leukocyte that fights parasitic infections and is involved in allergic reactions.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder characterized by the inability of blood to clot properly due to a deficiency of clotting factors.

Polycythemia

An increase in the number of red blood cells, which can be primary or secondary.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel and obstructs blood flow.

Osmosis

The movement of water across cell membranes to balance solute concentrations.

Albumin

A plasma protein that regulates osmotic pressure and transports substances.

Erythrocyte function

Transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.