Biology Chapter8

Blood Plasma

The fluid part of blood, making up about 55% of total blood volume, primarily composed of water, proteins, and various solutes.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, making up about 45% of whole blood.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Cells that defend the body against infection and foreign materials, accounting for a small fraction of total blood.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport.

Antigens

Molecules on the surface of cells that can trigger an immune response. inCH8

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that identify and attach to specific antigens.

ABO Blood Group

A classification of blood types based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Rh Factor

A specific antigen that may be present on the surface of red blood cells, determining whether blood is Rh positive or negative.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells that occurs when incompatible blood types are mixed.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Phagocytes

Cells that remove dead or damaged cells from the blood, such as macrophages.

Bilirubin

A waste product from the breakdown of hemoglobin that is processed by the liver.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.

Oxygenation

The process of adding oxygen to the blood.

Carbon Dioxide Removal

The process of expelling carbon dioxide from the blood through the lungs.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

Heart Rate

The number of times the heart beats per minute.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in one complete heartbeat.

Plasma Proteins

Proteins in blood plasma, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, involving vascular constriction and blood clotting.