HSCI 103 A&P III - Chapter 17: Blood (pt. 1) Flashcards

This set covers the fundamental functions, general composition, and physical components of blood as discussed in Chapter 17, Part 1.

Blood

A continuous regenerated connective tissue that moves gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones through the cardiovascular system.

Arteries

Blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that transport blood toward the heart.

Capillaries

Blood vessels that allow exchange between blood and body tissues.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport respiratory gases in the blood; they form the lower, red layer ($44\%$) of a centrifuged blood sample.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that defend the body against pathogens.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help form clots to prevent blood loss.

Plasma

The fluid portion of blood containing plasma proteins and dissolved solutes; it appears as a yellow-colored liquid at the top of a centrifuged sample, comprising about $55\%$ of the total.

Blood pH

The slightly alkaline level of blood, which ranges from $7.35$ to $7.45$ and is crucial for maintaining normal plasma protein shape.

Buffy coat

A very thin ($1\%$) middle grayish layer in a centrifuged blood sample composed of leukocytes and platelets.

Temperature Regulation

The process where blood absorbs heat from body cells, especially muscle, and releases it at skin blood vessels.

Fluid balance

The maintenance of osmotic balance using proteins and ions, involving water addition from the GI tract and loss through urine, skin, and respiration.

Whole blood

The combination of plasma and formed elements which can be separated into parts by a centrifuge.