Blood Cell Formation and Immune Response

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to blood cell formation, the role of various white blood cells, and important terms related to blood health and immune response.

Hemopoiesis

Formation of blood cells, which occurs in red bone marrow.

Hemoglobin

Molecules located within the cytosol of erythrocytes (red blood cells), with approximately 280 million hemoglobin molecules in a single healthy RBC.

Phagocyte

A specialized type of white blood cell that protects the body by ingesting and destroying harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.

Example of a Phagocyte

Neutrophils, macrophages, and monocytes are examples of phagocytes.

Basophil

The least common type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions, releasing histamine and heparin, and important in inflammation and allergic responses.

Thrombopoietin (TPO)

A glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the liver that regulates the production of platelets.

Prothrombinase

An enzyme complex that converts prothrombin to thrombin, essential for blood clotting.

Agglutination

Clumping of red blood cells that can occur if a person receives the wrong blood type.

Hemolysis

The rupture of red blood cells, which can occur from receiving the wrong blood type.