Chapter 17: Blood

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 17 on Blood, aiding in the understanding and recall for the exam.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that play key roles in the immune response and defense against disease.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in clotting and stopping bleeding.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Erythropoiesis

The process of red blood cell production.

Anemia

A condition characterized by low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to fewer than normal red blood cells.

Polycythemia

An excess of red blood cells in the blood, which increases blood viscosity.

Thrombopoietin

A hormone that regulates the production of platelets.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Fibrinolysis

The process of breaking down fibrin in blood clots.

Transfusion

The process of receiving blood or blood products into one's circulation intravenously.

Rh factor

A protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells; used in blood typing.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response, often found on the surface of red blood cells.

Agglutination

The clumping of cells, such as in a transfusion reaction when blood types do not match.