Human Anatomy & Physiology: Chapter 12 - Blood

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to blood anatomy and physiology as presented in Chapter 12. The definitions provide essential information needed for understanding blood composition, function, and related physiological processes.

Blood

A type of connective tissue with a fluid matrix (plasma).

Circulatory System

Made up of blood, heart, and blood vessels.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Formed elements of blood responsible for transporting respiratory gases.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Formed elements of blood that function in fighting infection.

Platelets

Cell fragments important for the stoppage of bleeding.

Plasma

The liquid matrix of blood containing water, proteins, and other substances.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen and some carbon dioxide.

Hematocrit (HCT)

The percentage of formed elements in the blood, typically around 45%.

Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells.

Erythropoietin

A hormone that regulates red blood cell production.

Anemia

A deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity.

Polycythemia

An excessive increase in red blood cells.

Diapedesis

The movement of white blood cells out of the bloodstream to fight infection.

Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell with granules in their cytoplasm.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without granules in their cytoplasm.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of WBC, important in killing bacteria.

Eosinophils

WBCs that kill certain parasites and moderate inflammation.

Basophils

WBCs that release heparin and histamine in response to allergens.

Monocytes

Large WBCs that become macrophages and phagocytize large particles.

Lymphocytes

WBCs that are involved in the body's immune response.

Thrombopoietin

Hormone that regulates the production of platelets.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding.

Vascular Spasm

The contraction of blood vessel walls to reduce blood flow after injury.

Platelet Plug

Formation of a cluster of platelets at the site of blood vessel injury.

Blood Coagulation

A complex process that leads to the formation of a blood clot.

Prothrombin Activator

A substance that converts prothrombin into active thrombin during clot formation.

Fibrinogen

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

Fibrin

The threads that form a meshwork in blood clots, trapping blood cells.

Fibrinolysis

The process of clot dissolution.

Thrombus

An abnormal clot that forms in a blood vessel.

Embolus

A thrombus that dislodges and travels through the bloodstream.

ABO Blood Group

Blood type classification based on the presence of A or B antigens on RBCs.

Rh Factor

An antigen present on the surface of red blood cells that determines Rh compatibility.

Agglutination

Clumping of red blood cells due to antibodies reacting with antigens.

Universal Donor

Type O blood, which can be transfused into any blood type.

Universal Recipient

Type AB blood, which can receive any blood type.

Antigens

Molecules that evoke an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to attack specific antigens.

Leukemia

A type of cancer characterized by an abnormal increase in WBCs.

Leukocytosis

An increase in the number of white blood cells.

Leukopenia

A decrease in the number of white blood cells.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Stem cells in bone marrow that produce all types of blood cells.

Hemoglobin Molecule

Consists of four polypeptide chains and binds oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Apheresis

A medical procedure that separates components of blood for donation.

Electrolytes

Ions in plasma that help maintain osmotic pressure and pH.

Nutrient Transport

Plasma facilitates the transport of nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract.

Bilirubin

A pigment produced from the breakdown of heme in red blood cells.

Serum

The liquid that remains after blood coagulation, excluding clotting factors.

Blood Volume

The total amount of blood in the circulatory system; about 5 liters in adults.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to oxygen, giving blood a bright red color.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin without bound oxygen, resulting in a darker color.

Homeostatic Internal Environment

The state of balance in the body's internal conditions.

B Cells

Type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies.

T Cells

Type of lymphocyte involved in immune responses and killing infected cells.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

A type of lymphocyte that targets tumor and virus-infected cells.

Intrinsic Factor

A protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic condition resulting in abnormal hemoglobin and sickle-shaped RBCs.

Thrombocytopenia

A low platelet count that increases the risk of bleeding.

Thrombocytosis

A high platelet count that can lead to clotting issues.

Macrophages

Large phagocytes that ingest damaged RBCs and pathogens.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins in the plasma that helps retain fluid in the bloodstream.

Glucose

A simple sugar used for energy that can also be converted to glycogen or fat.

Creatinine

A waste product derived from muscle metabolism.

Vasospasm

The constriction of blood vessels that reduces blood flow.

Positive Chemotaxis

The movement of WBCs toward damaged tissue in response to chemical signals.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins transported in the plasma.

Urea

A waste nitrogen substance in the plasma, produced from protein breakdown.

Biliverdin

A green pigment formed from the breakdown of heme.

Coagulation Factors

Proteins in plasma that are essential for blood clotting.

Hematinic

Substances that increase the production of red blood cells.

Vascular Injury

Damage to blood vessels that triggers a hemostatic response.

Collagen

A protein that platelets adhere to during aggregation.

Procoagulants

Substances that promote blood coagulation.

Hemoglobin Concentration

The amount of hemoglobin in a given volume of blood.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells utilize oxygen to produce energy.

Blood Chemistry

The analysis of blood plasma components and their functions.