Functions and Characteristics of Blood

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary and concepts related to the functions, characteristics, and anatomy of blood and the circulatory system.

What are the three functions of blood?

Transportation, regulation, protection.

What is the approximate percentage of body weight that blood constitutes?

Blood is approximately 8% of body weight.

Name two components of blood.

Plasma and formed elements.

What is plasma primarily made of?

Plasma is made of 92% water.

What are the three types of formed elements in blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets.

Name the two types of white blood cells.

Granulocytes and agranulocytes.

What is a primary characteristic of platelets?

Platelets are involved in clotting.

How are red blood cells formed?

From hemoblasts that divide into myeloid and lymphoid cells.

What is pernicious anemia due to?

Deficiency of vitamin B12.

What causes hemolytic anemia?

Bacterial infection.

What is iron deficiency anemia due to?

Dietary malnourishment.

What is the process to stop bleeding called?

Hemostasis.

What is coagulation?

The process that forms a fibrin clot.

What are the two types of blood clotting formation?

Intrinsic and extrinsic.

Name the first four types of anemia and their causes.

Hemorrhage anemia is due to hemorrhage; hemolytic anemia is due to bacterial infection; pernicious anemia is due to deficiency of vitamin B12; aplastic anemia is due to destruction of bone marrow.

What is an embolus?

A traveling clot through the blood.

What is thrombosis?

A clot that forms and stays in place.

What is infarction?

Tissue death due to no oxygen caused by a clot.

What is an antigen?

A substance that prompts the immune system to produce antibodies against it.

What is agglutination?

The clumping of red blood cells.

What are antibodies?

Proteins in blood plasma that react against specific antigens.

What do blood type A individuals have regarding antigens and antibodies?

Antigen A and antibody B.

What structure surrounds the heart?

The pericardium.

What are the four chambers of the heart?

Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.

What do arteries do?

Carry blood away from the heart.

What is the role of veins?

Carry blood towards the heart.

Where is the heart located?

In the thoracic cavity, behind the sternum.