Blood – Cardiovascular System (Chapter 20)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key blood concepts, components, cell types, and physiological parameters from Chapter 20.

Blood (connective tissue)

One of two liquid connective tissues (along with lymph) responsible for transport and homeostatic regulation.

Primary functions of blood

Transports O₂, CO₂, nutrients, wastes, hormones, and cells; regulates temperature, pH, fluid balance; provides immunity and clotting.

Average adult blood volume

Approximately 4–6 liters.

Normal blood pH range

7.35–7.45 (tightly regulated).

Acidosis

Condition in which blood pH falls below 7.35; severe cases can be fatal.

Alkalosis

Condition in which blood pH rises above 7.45; severe cases can be fatal.

Plasma

Liquid portion (~50% of blood) containing ions, sugars, triglycerides, hormones, wastes, dissolved gases, and proteins such as fibrinogen, antibodies, and albumin.

“Buffy coat”

Thin middle layer of centrifuged blood consisting of white blood cells and platelets.

Erythrocytes (red blood cells)

Anucleate, biconcave cells packed with hemoglobin that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; lifespan ~120 days.

Hemoglobin

Oxygen-binding protein found inside erythrocytes.

Biconcave disc

Shape of a red blood cell that increases surface area for gas exchange and allows flexibility.

ABO blood group antigens

Surface glycoproteins (A and B) on RBCs that determine blood type A, B, AB, or O.

Plasma antibodies (ABO system)

Anti-A, Anti-B, both, or none, present in plasma and dictate transfusion compatibility.

Rh factor

Additional RBC surface antigen (positive or negative) that can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn if incompatible.

Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain

Common histological stain: hematoxylin stains DNA purple, eosin stains proteins pink.

Neutrophil

Most abundant phagocytic leukocyte with multilobed nucleus and purple-stained cytoplasm.

Eosinophil

Granulocyte involved in parasitic and allergic responses; contains eosin-staining granules that release immunomodulators.

Basophil

Least common granulocyte, similar to eosinophils; bilobed nucleus and strong hematoxylin staining.

Monocyte

Largest white blood cell with single-lobed nucleus; differentiates into macrophages that present antigens.

Lymphocyte

Small leukocyte with large nucleus; precursor to T-cells, B-cells, and other adaptive immune cells; abundant in lymph.

Platelet

Cell fragment derived from megakaryocytes; contains clotting factors and lacks a nucleus.

Megakaryocyte

Large bone-marrow cell that sheds cytoplasmic fragments to form platelets.