The Cardiovascular System Notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the cardiovascular system, specifically focusing on blood components, their functions, and related disorders.

Leukocytes

Also known as white blood cells; they fight infections and are larger in size with a nucleus.

Leukocytosis

A condition where the WBC count exceeds 11,000 per cubic millimeter, indicating a response to bacterial or viral invasion.

Granulocytes

A type of leukocyte that contains cytoplasmic granules and includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Agranulocytes

A type of leukocyte that lacks visible granules and includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest foreign particles or pathogens.

Hemostasis

A series of reactions designed to stop bleeding, which includes vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Coagulation

The process in which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of circulating platelets, leading to bleeding issues.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

A condition where an Rh– mother has an Rh+ fetus, resulting in potential hemolytic disease due to sensitization.

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents blood clotting, such as heparin and antithrombin III.

Universal donor

Blood type O, which can be given to any other blood type.

Universal recipient

Blood type AB, which can receive blood from any other blood type.

Blood typing

Determining blood type by assessing the presence of specific antigens and antibodies.

Thrombus

A clot that develops and persists in an unbroken blood vessel.

Embolus

A thrombus that has broken loose and is traveling in the bloodstream.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

A condition caused when Rh+ antibodies from a sensitized Rh– mother attack the RBCs of an Rh+ fetus.

Platelets

Cell fragments that are involved in blood clotting, live for 2-4 days, and do not contain a nucleus.

Fibrinogen

A soluble plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during blood clotting.

Prothrombin

A plasma protein that is converted into thrombin during the coagulation process.

Thrombin

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, key in blood clotting.

Leukemia

A cancerous condition involving the white blood cells, characterized by the overproduction of immature WBCs.