Anemia and Blood Components

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts regarding anemia and blood components, as discussed in the lecture.

Erythrocytes

Another name for red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen.

Hemoglobin

The protein within red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Leukocytes

The fancy term for white blood cells, involved in the immune response.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cell and the first responders to bacterial infection.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell involved in fighting parasitic infections.

Basophils

White blood cells involved in the immune response, especially allergies and asthma.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport.

Pallor

A clinical manifestation of anemia, resulting in paleness of the skin or mucous membranes.

Pancytopenia

A reduction in the number of all blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Intrinsic Factor

A protein produced by the stomach necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Megaloblasts

Large abnormal bone marrow cells that result from vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Polycythemia Vera

A blood disorder characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia resulting from the destruction of red blood cells.

Thalassemia

A group of inherited blood disorders characterized by reduced hemoglobin production.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder leading to abnormal hemoglobin and sickle-shaped red blood cells that can cause vaso-occlusive crises.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most common type of anemia, caused by insufficient iron to produce hemoglobin.

Pica

A condition in which individuals crave non-food substances, often associated with iron deficiency.

Fatigue

A common symptom of anemia related to insufficient oxygen supply to tissues.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.