Module 1 : Blood (created b knowt)

Leukocytes

White Blood Cells (WBC) that defend the body against invading microorganisms and defective body cells.

Diapedesis

The ability of white blood cells (WBCs) to leave capillaries to perform defense functions in tissues.

Chemotaxis

The movement of WBCs towards infection sites in response to chemical signals.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Cytoplasm fragments branching off megakaryocytes that play a vital role in hemostasis.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding from a damaged blood vessel.

Thrombocytosis

A condition characterized by an excess number of platelets in circulation.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition marked by too few platelets in circulation, leading to excessive bleeding.

Coagulation Cascade

A series of events leading to the formation of a fibrin mesh that reinforces a platelet plug.

Anticoagulants

Substances that prevent blood clotting and oppose unnecessary clot formation.

Embolus

A portion of a thrombus that breaks free and enters the circulation.

Universal Precautions

Guidelines to treat all blood samples as potentially infectious.

Hematocrit

The percentage of red blood cells in total blood volume.

Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)

A test that counts the number and types of blood cells and analyzes their structure and volume.

Blood Typing

The determination of blood type based on antigens present on the surface of red blood cells.

RhoGAM injection

A preventive treatment for hemolytic disease of the newborn for Rh- mothers carrying Rh+ fetuses.

Leukopenia

A condition characterized by a reduced number of white blood cells, increasing infection vulnerability.

Spleen

An organ involved in the recycling of red blood cells and immune response.

Plasminogen

An inactive enzyme that is converted to plasmin, which breaks down fibrin in blood clots.

Fibrinolysis

The process of gradual degradation of a blood clot once the vessel lining is healed.

Vascular Spasm

A rapid contraction of the blood vessel wall that reduces blood flow during hemostasis.

PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor)

A growth factor released by platelets that stimulates the healing of tissue.

Hypoxia

A deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel.