Anatomy and Physiology of Blood

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of blood.

Cardiovascular System

System composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.

Plasma

The liquid matrix of blood, making up about 55% of whole blood volume.

Formed Elements

Cells and cell fragments in blood, comprising red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Hematocrit

The percentage of whole blood that is composed of formed elements, typically around 45%.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen for transport throughout the body.

Erythropoiesis

The process of red blood cell production that occurs in the red bone marrow.

Antigens

Substances on the surface of red blood cells that can elicit an immune response.

Agglutination

The clumping together of red blood cells, which can occur when incompatible blood types are mixed.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

A disorder caused by a cross-reaction between maternal antibodies and fetal red blood cells.

Coagulation Phase

Part of hemostasis where a complex sequence of events leads to blood clotting.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting, originating from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system, helping to defend the body against infections.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells in response to chemical stimuli, guiding white blood cells to sites of infection.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, leading to insufficient oxygen transport.

Vitamin K

A vitamin essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by low platelet counts, leading to increased risk of bleeding.