Composition & Function of Blood

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the composition and function of blood, including its components and processes.

Blood

The only fluid connective tissue in the body, consisting of solid and liquid components.

Plasma

The non-living matrix of blood, making up 55% of its volume and consisting of water, salts, proteins, nutrients, and waste.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that defend the body against infections and diseases.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen; one Hb can bind four O2 molecules.

Anemia

A condition characterized by decreased oxygen-carrying ability of the blood, often due to low red blood cell counts.

Centrifugation

A technique used to separate components of blood by spinning it at high speeds.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation, occurring in the red bone marrow.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced in the kidneys that stimulates the formation of red blood cells.

Diapedesis

The ability of white blood cells to travel through blood vessels and exit into other tissues.

Chemotaxis

The movement of white blood cells towards the site of infection where damaged cells release chemical signals.

Prothrombin

A plasma protein involved in blood clotting, converted into thrombin during the clotting process.

Thrombopoietin

A hormone responsible for the production of platelets in the body.

Buffy coat

The middle layer in a centrifuged blood sample containing white blood cells and platelets, constituting less than 1% of blood volume.