Blood Lecture 3.01.docx

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up 55% of its volume.

Red blood cells

Cells that carry oxygen, constituting 45% of blood.

White blood cells

Cells involved in immune response, comprising less than 1% of blood.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a key role in blood clotting, also less than 1% of blood.

Haemangioblast

A stem cell that gives rise to the vascular system and blood cells during embryonic development.

Angioblast

The first blood stem cell formed from a haemangioblast.

Haematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation, primarily occurring in the bone marrow.

Myeloid stem cell

A type of stem cell that produces red blood cells, platelets, and granulocytes.

Lymphoid stem cell

A type of stem cell responsible for producing B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that phagocytoses bacteria and combats tissue infection.

Eosinophils

White blood cells involved in allergic reactions and immunity to parasites.

Basophils

White blood cells that play a role in immune responses, particularly in allergic reactions.

Monocytes

Precursor cells that mature into macrophages, involved in chronic inflammation and infection.

Lymphocytes

Key cells of the immune system, including B cells and T cells.

Immunoglobulins

Antibodies produced by plasma cells, with five main types (G, A, M, E, D).

Leucopenia

A decrease in white blood cell count.

Leucocytosis

An increase in white blood cell count.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by low platelet count.

Thrombocytosis

A condition characterized by high platelet count.

Anaemia

A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Hypochromic blood film

A blood film showing pale red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency.

Cervical lymphadenopathy

Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, often due to infection.

Infectious mononucleosis

An illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by atypical lymphocytes.

Sickle cell

A genetic disorder causing red blood cells to deform, leading to various complications.

Bone marrow

The primary site of blood cell production in adults, taking over from the yolk sac, liver, and spleen during development.