The Circulatory System Part 2: Blood and Blood Types

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and concepts related to the circulatory system, focusing on blood, blood types, and their functions.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste throughout the body.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its volume, primarily composed of water, proteins, and electrolytes.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system and help fight infections.

Thrombocytes

Platelets, small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation that occurs in the bone marrow.

Antigens

Proteins on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type.

Antibodies

Proteins in the plasma that can bind to antigens on foreign cells and trigger an immune response.

ABO blood groups

A system that classifies blood into four types: A, B, AB, and O based on the presence of antigens.

Rh factor

A protein that may be present on the surface of red blood cells; positive indicates presence, negative indicates absence.

Universal donor

Type O-negative blood, which can be given to any blood type.

Universal recipient

Type AB-positive blood, which can receive blood from any blood type.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells caused by the binding of antibodies to antigens.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder that impairs blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in fatigue and weakness.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and rigid, leading to various complications.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Hematocrit

The percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample, used to assess conditions like anemia.

Transfusion

The process of transferring blood or blood components from one person to another.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, such as oxygen levels.