Cardiovascular System - Blood (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key blood components, plasma proteins, hematopoiesis, and related physiology.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue of the cardiovascular system; transports nutrients, wastes, hormones; composed of plasma (fluid) and formed elements (cells).

Plasma

Liquid portion of blood (55% of volume); mostly water; contains electrolytes, hormones, and plasma proteins; carries substances and helps regulate pH and temperature.

Formed elements

Blood cells and cell fragments produced in red bone marrow (RBCs, WBCs, platelets).

Albumin

Most abundant plasma protein; maintains osmotic pressure and blood volume; transports steroid hormones and fatty acids.

Globulins (Immunoglobulins)

Plasma proteins including antibodies; part of the immune response and help transport various substances.

Fibrinogen

Plasma protein that is converted to fibrin to help form blood clots.

Hematopoiesis

Formation of blood cells; occurs in red bone marrow; gives rise to erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Erythropoietin

Kidney-derived hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in red bone marrow.

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)

Red blood cells; transport oxygen via hemoglobin; lack nuclei; lifespan ~120 days; formed in red bone marrow.

Hemoglobin

Iron-rich protein in RBCs that binds oxygen; four subunits; releases oxygen at tissues; can also bind carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions after oxygen release.

Heme

Iron-containing portion of hemoglobin that binds oxygen.

Biconcave disk

Shape of red blood cells; concave on both sides to increase surface area for gas exchange.

Red bone marrow

Site of hematopoiesis; where most blood cells are produced.

Spleen

Organ that filters blood; RBCs can be degraded there; part of the immune and recycling systems.

White blood cells (Leukocytes)

Formed elements involved in immune defense; various cell types.

Platelets

Cell fragments essential for blood clotting; part of formed elements.

Osmotic pressure

Pressure generated by plasma proteins (especially albumin) to retain water in the bloodstream and maintain blood volume.

Blood pH

Plasma is slightly alkaline: normal pH 7.35–7.45 (neutral is 7.0).