Platelets

Flashcards based on some slides on Platelets. Other flashcards for Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and a combination of all three can be found on my profile.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Help initiate formation of blood clots; they close breaks in damaged blood vessels

Blood plasma

Transports nutrients, gases, vitamins, fluids, and maintains electrolytes and pH

Plasma proteins

• Albumins

• Globulins

• Fibrinogens

Albumin

Plasma protein for blood pressure

Globulin

Plasma protein for antibody transport

Fibrinogen

Plasma protein for blood clotting

Multiple myeloma cancer

Cancer that affects plasma cells by crowding out healthy cells and producing harmful antibodies

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding; involves coagulation and clotting of blood to seal site of damage

Hemostasis events

1. Vascular spasm

2. Platelet plug formation

3. Coagulation

Serotonin

A vasoconstrictor that aids in the vascular spasm

Thrombin

An enzyme in blood plasma that causes clotting by converting fibrinogen to fibrin

Coagulation

The thickening of blood to form a clot

Hematoma

Another name for a clot

Thrombus

An abnormally placed blood clot, such as within an artery or the heart

Embolus

When a clot within a vessel moves to another place, thus creating a blockage

Pulmonary embolism

An embolism (movement of blood clot) that moves to the lungs

Cerebral embolism

An embolism (movement of blood clot) that moves to the brain

Vitamin K

Can be injected to prevent deficiency bleeding in newborns

Hemophilia (bleeder’s disease)

Sex-linked recessive condition where blood does not clot

5 L

The amount of blood in the human body

0.5 L

The amount of blood taken in a donation

Blood donation uses

Purposes:

• Hemophiliac clotting factor replacement

• Sickle cell reduction

• Injury or surgery blood replenishment