Blood and Human Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to blood and human physiology to support exam preparation.

Erythrocytes

Red Blood Cells that carry oxygen and contain hemoglobin.

Leukocytes

White Blood Cells that are involved in the immune response; five types divided into Granulocytes and Agranulocytes.

Hemoglobin

An oxygen-binding protein found in red blood cells.

Plasma

The non-living liquid component of blood; contains water, nutrients, salts, gases, and proteins.

Erythropoiesis

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

Erythropoietin

A hormone released by the kidneys that stimulates erythropoiesis when blood oxygen levels are low.

Antigens

Substances on red blood cell membranes that can trigger an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins in plasma that bind to specific antigens and lead to the destruction of cells with non-self antigens.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, which involves vasospasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Vasospasm

The contraction of blood vessels that reduces blood flow and minimizes blood loss following injury.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting involving clotting factors and calcium ions.

Thromboxane A2

A signaling molecule released by platelets that promotes platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction.

Platelet Plug Formation

The process by which platelets adhere to the site of a blood vessel injury and aggregate to form a temporary seal.

Fibrin

A protein that forms a mesh that constitutes the main component of a blood clot.

Plasminogen

A plasma protein that is converted to plasmin, which dissolves blood clots.

Thrombin

An enzyme that plays a key role in converting fibrinogen into fibrin during the clotting process.