Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to blood physiology, including hormone functions, hemostasis, blood disorders, and blood group classifications.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by kidneys that stimulates red bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells.

Thrombopoietin

A hormone produced by the liver that accelerates the production of platelets from megakaryocytes.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, which includes vascular spasms, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms in a vessel and remains there, potentially obstructing blood flow.

Embolus

A thrombus that breaks away and floats in the bloodstream; it can cause blockages in smaller vessels.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells (RBCs) in response to the binding of antibodies to foreign antigens.

ABO blood group

A classification of blood based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on the surface of RBCs.

Rh factor

An antigen that can be present (+) or absent (-) on red blood cells, which can lead to transfusion reactions.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by an insufficient number of platelets in the blood, leading to abnormal bleeding.

Physiologic jaundice

A common condition in newborns caused by the rapid destruction of fetal red blood cells and an immature liver's inability to process bilirubin.

Petechiae

Small purplish blotches on the skin indicating bleeding from small blood vessels, often due to thrombocytopenia.

Hemophilia

A hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factors, leading to prolonged bleeding.

Fibrin

A protein that forms a fibrous mesh that traps RBCs to form the structure of a blood clot.

Colony stimulating factors (CSFs)

Hormones that stimulate the production of white blood cells, enhancing the immune response.

Hemoglobin

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues.