CH 9- Hematopoietic System Lecture Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the physiology, diseases, and clinical manifestations of the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems as discussed in the lecture.

Hematopoiesis

The process responsible for the continuous production of blood cells, ensuring adequate numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets throughout life.

Plasma

The liquid portion of the blood, consisting mostly of water, that makes up about $55\%$ of blood volume.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells formed in the red bone marrow of vertebrae, proximal femurs, and flat bones; they utilize biconcave flexibility to transport oxygen.

Hemoglobin

An iron-based protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the respiratory tract to the body's tissues.

Lifespan of a Red Blood Cell

The period of time a normal red blood cell survives in circulation before being removed by the spleen and liver, which is approximately $120$ days.

Leukocytes

White blood cells formed in red bone marrow and lymphoid tissue that provide immunity and defense against pathogens and abnormal cells.

Neutrophils

The most abundant white blood cell and first responders to infection that perform phagocytosis by engulfing bacteria.

Eosinophils

A white blood cell involved in parasitic defense and allergic responses.

Basophils

White blood cells involved in inflammation that release heparin (an anticoagulant) and histamine.

Lymphocytes

Agranulocytic white blood cells classified as B cells (producing antibodies), T cells (cell-mediated immunity), and natural killer cells.

Thrombocytes

Also known as platelets, these cell fragments aggregate to form temporary plugs and blood clots to maintain hemostasis.

Agglutination

An immune reaction where particles such as cells clump together after being bound by specific antibodies or proteins, often occurring in incompatible blood transfusions.

Antigens

Molecular structures recognized by the body as either self or non-self, capable of triggering an immune response.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, indicated by hemoglobin levels below normal ranges for a patient's age and sex.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most common type of anemia worldwide, often resulting in microcytic hypochromic red blood cells that are small and pale in color.

Koilonychia

A clinical manifestation of iron deficiency anemia characterized by spoon-shaped nails.

Glossitis

An inflammatory condition where the tongue becomes smooth, sore, and red, commonly seen in nutritional anemias.

Angular Cheilitis

An inflammatory condition at the corners of the mouth involving cracking, redness, and soreness, often associated with nutritional deficiencies.

Pica

Abnormal cravings for substances without nutritional value, such as ice, clay, dirt, or starch, often linked to iron deficiency.

Hemolysis

The premature destruction of red blood cells at a rate that exceeds the bone marrow's ability to replace them.

Hereditary Spherocytosis

An inherited hemolytic anemia caused by membrane protein defects that results in rigid, spherical red blood cells that are destroyed in the spleen.

Sickle Cell Anemia

An autosomal recessive hemolytic anemia caused by abnormal hemoglobin that produces crescent-shaped cells, leading to vascular occlusion and pain crises.

Dactylitis

A pediatric manifestation of sickle cell anemia, also known as hand-foot syndrome, involving painful swelling of fingers or toes.

Functional Asplenia

A condition in sickle cell anemia where the spleen is physically present but fails to function properly, increasing the risk of infection.

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

A specific diagnostic test used to confirm the presence of sickle cell anemia.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

An acquired extrinsic anemia where the immune system produces antibodies that target and destroy the body's own red blood cells.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

Also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, it occurs when maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells due to blood group incompatibility.

Hydrops Fetalis

A severe form of Rh incompatibility in a fetus characterized by generalized edema, ascites, and a high risk of neonatal death.

Kernicterus

A complication of erythroblastosis fetalis where bilirubin deposits in the brain, causing permanent neurologic damage.

Thalassemia

A chronic microcytic hypochromic hemolytic anemia common in Mediterranean populations, characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and abnormal hemoglobin synthesis.

Crew Cut Skull

A classic X-ray finding in thalassemia, also called hair-on-end skull, caused by marrow hyperplasia and vertical striations in the expanded space.

Megaloblastic Anemia

Anemia caused by impaired DNA synthesis (usually B12 or folate deficiency) resulting in abnormally large, immature red blood cell precursors.

Pernicious Anemia

A form of megaloblastic anemia caused by autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells, leading to a loss of intrinsic factor and impaired B12 absorption.

Pancytopenia

A condition involving a decrease in all blood cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Aplastic Anemia

A rare bone marrow failure disorder characterized by pancytopenia and hypocellularity of the bone marrow.

Myelophthisic Anemia

Anemia caused by bone marrow infiltration and replacement by abnormal tissue, such as metastatic cancer, which 'wastes' the marrow space.

Polycythemia Vera

A chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the autonomous overproduction of red blood cells, increasing blood viscosity.

Leukemia

A group of malignant disorders of the bone marrow and blood characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cell precursors.

Leukostasis

A life-threatening cancer emergency where a significantly elevated white blood cell count causes sluggish blood flow and tissue hypoxia.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

The most common childhood leukemia, characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature lymphoblasts.

Philadelphia Chromosome

The hallmark genetic feature used to identify chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Lymphoma

A malignancy of the lymphatic system characterized by clonal proliferation of lymphocytes that typically present as solid tumors in lymphoid tissue.

Reed-Sternberg Cells

Giant, malignant B cells that are the histological hallmark used to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma.

Infectious Mononucleosis

An acute, self-limiting viral illness commonly called 'the kissing disease,' usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Hemophilia A

The most common inherited bleeding disorder, caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII.

Hemarthrosis

A symptom of severe hemophilia involving spontaneous bleeding into the joints.

Purpura

Purple or red skin discolorations caused by bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes, often linked to thrombocytopenia.

Petechiae

Tiny, pinpoint red spots on the skin or mucous membranes resulting from capillary bleeding.