Main Points

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on blood components, their roles, disorders, and related medical processes.

Leukocytes

White blood cells crucial for defending against disease.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils

Active phagocytes that play a key role in the immune response.

Eosinophils

Leukocytes that attack parasitic worms and increase during allergic reactions.

Basophils

Leukocytes that contain histamine, promoting vasodilation and enhancing leukocyte migration.

Agranulocytes

A category of leukocytes that includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

Lymphocytes

Also known as 'immune cells', they play crucial roles in immunity.

Monocytes

Leukocytes that can differentiate into macrophages.

Leukopoiesis

The production of leukocytes directed by colony-stimulating factors and interleukins.

Leukemia

A disorder characterized by the uncontrolled production of leukocytes.

Infectious mononucleosis

A disorder linked to an increase in lymphocytes and symptoms such as fatigue and fever.

Platelets

Fragments of megakaryocytes that play a central role in blood clotting.

Hemostasis

The process of preventing blood loss.

Platelet plug formation

An important step in hemostasis where platelets accumulate to stop bleeding.

Coagulation

The process where blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot.

Intrinsic pathway

A coagulation pathway that is activated by damage to the blood vessel.

Extrinsic pathway

A coagulation pathway that is activated by external trauma to blood vessels.

Thrombin

An enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin in the coagulation process.

Fibrinolysis

The process of clot digestion after healing is complete.

Thrombocytopenia

A disorder characterized by a deficit of platelets leading to spontaneous bleeding.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder that results in a deficiency of certain coagulation factors.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

A serious condition involving body-wide clotting in undamaged vessels.

ABO and Rh groups

The most important blood groups for blood typing and transfusions.