Terminology blood

Red blood cells (RBCs)

Cells that carry oxygen using a protein called hemoglobin.

White blood cells (WBCs)

Cells that fight infections and protect the body from diseases.

Platelets

Tiny cells that help blood clot and stop bleeding.

Plasma

The liquid part of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, and waste.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood made up of red blood cells.

Erythrocytes

Another name for red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

RBC Count

The number of red blood cells in a specific amount of blood.

Macrophages

White blood cells that digest harmful bacteria and dead cells.

Biliverdin

A green pigment formed when red blood cells break down.

Bilirubin

A yellow pigment made when red blood cells are broken down, later processed by the liver.

Erythropoietin

A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Anemia

A condition where there are too few red blood cells or not enough hemoglobin.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic condition where red blood cells are shaped like crescents, causing problems.

Leukocytes

Another name for white blood cells.

Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell with small granules that help fight infections.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without granules that support immunity.

Neutrophils

The most common white blood cells that attack bacteria.

Eosinophils

White blood cells involved in allergy and parasite defense.

Basophils

White blood cells that release chemicals during allergic reactions.

Monocytes

Large white blood cells that turn into macrophages to fight infections.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that produce antibodies and destroy infected cells.

WBC Count

The number of white blood cells in the blood.

Leukocytosis

A condition with more white blood cells than normal.

Differential White Blood Cell Count

A test that shows the percentage of different white blood cell types.

Diapedesis

The process where white blood cells move through blood vessel walls to fight infections.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects white blood cells.

Thrombocytes

Another name for platelets.

Platelet Count

The number of platelets in the blood.

Serotonin

A chemical released by platelets that helps blood vessels narrow during clotting.

Platelet Plug

A temporary patch made by platelets to stop bleeding.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting to stop bleeding.

Fibrin

Protein threads that form the structure of a blood clot.

Thrombin

An enzyme that helps convert fibrinogen into fibrin.

Thrombus

A blood clot formed in a blood vessel.

Embolus

A piece of a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder where blood doesn't clot properly.

Agglutination

Clumping of blood cells due to incompatible blood types.

Agglutinogens

Proteins (antigens) on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type.

Agglutinins

Antibodies in the blood that react to incompatible agglutinogens.

Rh Groups

Proteins on red blood cells that determine if blood is positive or negative in the Rh system.

Albumins

Proteins in plasma that help maintain blood pressure and volume.

Globulins

Proteins in plasma involved in immune responses.

Fibrinogens

Proteins that are converted into fibrin during blood clotting.