Anatomy Chapter 17.1-17.3

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cells, occurring in red bone marrow.

Anemia

A condition characterized by an abnormally low oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Polycythemia

An abnormal excess of red blood cells in the blood.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone released by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are essential for immune responses.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that play a key role in blood clotting.

Biconcave disc shape

The structural shape of red blood cells that increases surface area for gas exchange.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport.

Reticulocyte

An immature red blood cell that is an indicator of the rate of erythropoiesis.

Sickle-cell anemia

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in hemoglobin that leads to abnormal, crescent-shaped red blood cells.

Iron-deficiency anemia

A type of anemia resulting from a lack of iron, leading to the production of small, pale red blood cells.

Pernicious anemia

An autoimmune condition that affects the absorption of vitamin B12, leading to the production of large, dysfunctional red blood cells.

Granulocytes

A category of white blood cells that have visible granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without visible granules, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Leukopenia

An abnormally low white blood cell count.

Leukemia

A cancerous condition characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Macrophage

A type of phagocytic cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Life cycle of red blood cells

Process of red blood cell production, functioning, and eventual breakdown.

EPO production regulation

Erythropoietin production is regulated by oxygen levels in the blood.

Blood doping

The practice of increasing red blood cell count by transfusion or EPO use to enhance athletic performance.