Blood Composition and Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to blood composition, functions, and physiological roles, which are essential for exam preparation.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that function in defense against disease.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in the clotting process to seal breaks in blood vessels.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Erythropoiesis

The process of formation of red blood cells.

Plasma

The nonliving fluid matrix of blood, which carries cells and various substances.

Agglutination

Clumping of blood cells due to the binding of antibodies to antigens.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that bind to antigens.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting that transforms blood from a liquid to a gel.

pH of blood

Ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, maintaining acid-base balance in the body.

Albumin

The most abundant plasma protein which contributes to plasma osmotic pressure.

Vascular spasm

The immediate response of blood vessels to injury, leading to constriction.

Oxyhemoglobin

The form of hemoglobin bound to oxygen, giving blood a ruby red color.

Deoxyhemoglobin

The form of hemoglobin that is not bound to oxygen, giving blood a darker red color.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone released by kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Diapedesis

The process by which white blood cells leave capillaries to enter tissue.

Sickle-cell anemia

A hereditary impairment characterized by abnormal hemoglobin leading to distorted red blood cells.

Clot retraction

The process by which a clot is stabilized and shrinks, drawing the edges of a wound together.

Transfusion reaction

An immune response to mismatched blood transfusion resulting in agglutination and hemolysis.

Fibrinogen

A soluble plasma protein that is converted into insoluble fibrin during blood coagulation.

Complement proteins

Proteins that play a role in immune response, found in blood.

Blood Groups

Classifications of blood based on the presence or absence of antigens and antibodies, crucial for blood transfusions.

Rh Factor

An antigen that can be present on the surface of red blood cells; Rh-positive indicates presence, while Rh-negative indicates absence.

Leukopenia

A decrease in the number of white blood cells, which can lead to increased vulnerability to infections.

Hemoglobin

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport throughout the body.

Serum

The liquid portion of blood that remains after coagulation, containing proteins, electrolytes, and waste products.

Thrombocytes

Another term for platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.

Anemia

A condition in which there is a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport.

Hemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells, often leading to the release of hemoglobin into the plasma.

Blood Viscosity

The thickness and stickiness of blood, which can affect circulation and blood pressure.

White Blood Cell Count

A measure of the number of white blood cells in a volume of blood, important for diagnosing infections and diseases.