Blood Review

Plasma

90% water and carries dissolved nutrients.

Leukocytes

Able to double in number in response to infection.

Erythrocytes

Blood cells with a biconcave disc shape that carry oxygen to tissues.

Thrombocytes

Essential in blood clotting and are fragments of megakaryocytes.

Hemocytoblasts

Stem cells that all blood cells derive from.

Normal blood pH

Ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.

Hemopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation.

Albumin

A plasma protein that maintains osmotic balance.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein that forms a net-like structure during blood clotting.

Thrombus

A clot in an undamaged vessel.

Embolism

A free-floating blood clot.

Mononucleosis

A highly contagious virus characterized by large amounts of abnormal monocytes and lymphocytes.

Anemia

A condition of reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Leukemia

Uncontrolled production of leukocytes.

T Lymphocytes

Cells that fight against viral infections and tumors.

Monocytes

Blood cells that form macrophages and act as phagocytes.

Neutrophils

The most numerous phagocytes that fight bacteria.

Eosinophils

Cells that release chemicals to counteract allergic reactions.

Basophils

Cells that release chemicals signaling other WBCs to the site of infection.

Functions of Blood

Prevent blood loss, maintain fluid volume, and regulate normal pH.

Distribution Functions of Blood

Transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and maintain body temperature.