Topic 10 Blood

Blood

Composed of liquid plasma and formed elements known as blood cells.

Blood Plasma

The colorless, liquid part of the blood that is 90% water.

Inorganic Salts

Substances in plasma including sodium phosphates, potassium, bicarbonates, calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron, chlorides, and copper.

Blood Proteins

Albumin, fibrinogen, and globulins (antibodies) found in the plasma.

Digested Food Products

Nutrients in the plasma such as amino acids, glucose, sugars, starches, fatty acids, and glycerin.

Hormones

Chemicals from endocrine glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas transported in the blood.

Blood Cells

Elements produced by the bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus gland.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Disc-shaped, concave cells formed in bone marrow that number 4.5 to 6 million per cubic mm.

Hemoglobin

An iron-protein compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Cells numbering 6,000 to 10,000 per cubic mm that defend the body from infection.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes that contain granules in their cytoplasm.

Neutrophils

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes making up 60% to 70% of white blood cells with nuclei having 2 to 5 lobes.

Eosinophils

Leukocytes with red-staining granules that increase during asthma or parasitic diseases.

Basophils

Leukocytes with coarse granules that stain blue.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without granules, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Lymphocytes

Cells with a single large nucleus responsible for immunity and antibody production.

Monocytes

Mononuclear cells with a single rounded or kidney-shaped nucleus.

Phagocytosis

The process by which leukocytes help repair damaged tissues.

Blood Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Small cell fragments formed in bone marrow concerned with blood clotting.

Fibrinogen

A blood protein formed in the liver that circulates in plasma and helps form fibrin threads.

Prothrombin

An enzyme formed in the liver that is converted to thrombin during the clotting process.

Calcium

An ionized substance in plasma that, when combined with thrombin and fibrinogen, forms fibrin.

Thromboplastin

A substance present in tissue cells (not plasma) liberated at injury sites to initiate clotting.

Heparin (Antithrombin)

A substance in the liver and plasma that prevents blood from clotting within vessels.

Fibrin

Fine threads precipitated from dissolved fibrinogen that form the structure of a blood clot.

Cytos (Kytos)

Term meaning a cell.

Erythros

Term meaning red.

Leukos (Leuco)

Term meaning white.

Corpus

Term meaning body.

Corpuscle (Corpusculus)

Term meaning little body.

Coagulation

The process of arresting hemorrhage by plugging blood vessels.

Leukocytosis

A pathological increase in the number of leukocytes in the circulating blood.

Leucopenia

A pathological decrease in the number of leukocytes in the circulating blood.

Agranulocytosis

The absence or marked decrease of leukocytes in the blood.

Anemia

A decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin content, often due to iron deficiency.

Polycythemia

An increase in the number of red blood cells in circulating blood.

Agammaglobinemia

The absence of gamma globulin containing antibodies