Hole’s Human Anatomy and Physiology: Chapter 14 Lecture Notes on Blood

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering blood characteristics, cell types, hemostasis, and blood groups from Chapter 14 of the lecture.

Blood

A specialized connective tissue composed of a liquid matrix and formed elements that accounts for approximately $8\%$ of body weight and has an average volume of $5\text{--}6\,dm^3$ in males.

Formatted Elements

The cellular components of blood produced primarily in red bone marrow, including erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Hematocrit (HCT)

The percentage of red blood cells in a total blood volume, typically comprising about $45\%$ of a centrifuged blood sample.

Plasma

The straw-colored liquid portion of blood ($55\%$ of volume) consisting of $92\%$ water and containing gases, nutrients, vitamins, and proteins like albumins and globulins.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation originating from hematopoietic stem cells, which differentiate into myeloid or lymphoid stem cells.

Erythrocytes

Biconcave, anucleate discs containing hemoglobin that function to transport respiratory gases and have a typical life span of approximately $120$ days.

Hemoglobin

A protein that constitutes about one-third of a red blood cell; normal ranges are $13.5\text{--}17.5\text{ g/dL}$ in males and $12.0\text{--}15.5\text{ g/dL}$ in females.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone released by the kidneys and liver in response to low oxygen levels to stimulate the production of red blood cells in red bone marrow.

Anemia

A condition defined by a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which can be caused by deficiencies in iron, vitamin $B_{12}$, or genetic factors.

Bilirubin

An orange-yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of the heme group from hemoglobin, eventually secreted into the bile.

Granulocytes

A category of leukocytes characterized by a granular cytoplasm and relatively short life spans, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils

The most common white blood cells ($54\%$ to $62\%$) that possess lobed nuclei and are the first to arrive at infection sites for phagocytosis.

Basophils

The rarest leukocytes ($<1\%$) that release heparin to inhibit blood clotting and histamine to facilitate inflammatory responses.

Agranulocytes

A category of leukocytes without visible cytoplasmic granules, comprising monocytes and lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes

Small agranulocytes that provide immunity; T cells attack pathogens directly while B cells produce antibodies.

Diapedesis

The ability of leukocytes to leave the circulation by squeezing between the endothelial cells that form capillary walls.

Leukocytosis

A condition where the white blood cell count exceeds $10,500$ per microliter, often signifying an acute infection or intense physical stress.

Differential WBC Count

A diagnostic procedure that calculates the percentages of different types of leukocytes to help identify specific diseases.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes that help stop bleeding by sticking to damaged surfaces and releasing serotonin for vasoconstriction.

Albumins

The most abundant plasma proteins ($60\%$), synthesized in the liver, which are critical for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure.

Nonprotein Nitrogenous Substances (NPNs)

Molecules in plasma like urea and uric acid that contain nitrogen but are not proteins; the BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test is used to evaluate kidney health.

Hemostasis

The physiological process of stopping bleeding through vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and blood coagulation.

Coagulation Cascade

A complex series of chemical reactions where clotting factors convert soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin threads to trap blood cells.

Extrinsic Clotting Mechanism

A clotting process triggered by tissue thromboplastin (Factor III) when blood contacts damaged tissue exterior to the vessel.

Intrinsic Clotting Mechanism

A clotting process initiated by Hageman factor XII whenever blood comes in contact with a foreign surface, such as collagen.

Thrombus

An abnormal blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains at its site of origin.

Embolus

A blood clot or fragment that dislodges and travels through the bloodstream, potentially blocking an organ's blood supply.

Antigens

Molecules on the surface of red blood cells that can trigger an immune response and determine a person's blood type.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells that occurs when matching antibodies in the plasma react with antigens on the donor's cells.

Type O Blood

Known as the universal donor because it lacks antigens A and B, making it less likely to cause a reaction in various recipients.

Type AB Blood

Known as the universal recipient because the plasma lacks both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.

Rh Blood Group

A system of blood typing based on the presence (Rh-positive) or absence (Rh-negative) of antigen D on red blood cell membranes.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

A serious hemolytic disease of the newborn that occurs when maternal anti-Rh antibodies attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus.