Functions and Composition of Blood

Blood

Regenerated connective tissue transporting gases and nutrients.

Cardiovascular System

Network transporting blood throughout the body.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells transporting respiratory gases.

Leukocytes

White blood cells defending against pathogens.

Platelets

Cell fragments aiding in blood clot formation.

Plasma

Fluid portion of blood containing proteins and solutes.

Body Temperature Regulation

Blood absorbs heat, releasing it at skin vessels.

Body pH Regulation

Blood contains buffers to maintain acid-base balance.

Fluid Balance

Blood exchanges water with interstitial fluid.

Viscosity of Blood

Blood is 4-5 times thicker than water.

Hematocrit

Percentage of blood volume occupied by formed elements.

Centrifuged Blood

Separation of blood components by centrifugation.

Albumins

Most abundant plasma proteins, maintain osmotic pressure.

Globulins

Transport proteins for hormones and immune functions.

Fibrinogen

Plasma protein essential for blood clotting.

Hematopoiesis

Production of formed elements in red bone marrow.

Erythropoiesis

Process of producing red blood cells.

Leukopoiesis

Production and maturation of white blood cells.

Thrombopoiesis

Production of platelets from megakaryocytes.

Hemoglobin

Protein in erythrocytes transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone stimulating red blood cell production.

Anemia

Condition with reduced erythrocyte percentage or function.

ABO Blood Group

Classification based on A and B surface antigens.

Rh Factor

Surface antigen determining positive or negative blood type.

Oxygenated Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin maximally loaded with oxygen.

Deoxygenated Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin with reduced oxygen content.

Bilirubin

Waste product from heme breakdown, part of bile.

Transferrin

Protein transporting iron in the bloodstream.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure (COP)

Pressure preventing fluid loss from blood vessels.

Serum

Plasma without clotting proteins.

Blood Smear

Thin layer of blood for microscopic examination.

Erythrocyte Lifespan

Maximum lifespan of erythrocytes is 120 days.

Agglutination

Clumping of erythrocytes due to incompatible transfusion.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.

Hemolysis

Rupture of erythrocytes leading to organ damage.

Agglutination Test

Procedure for determining blood type compatibility.

Diapedesis

Process of leukocytes squeezing through blood vessels.

Chemotaxis

Attraction of leukocytes to infection site chemicals.

Granulocytes

Leukocytes with visible granules under a microscope.

Neutrophils

Most numerous leukocyte, multilobed nucleus.

Eosinophils

1-4% of leukocytes, active in parasitic infections.

Basophils

Leukocytes involved in allergic responses.

Agranulocytes

Leukocytes with smaller, non-visible granules.

Lymphocytes

20-40% of leukocytes, manage immune response.

T-lymphocytes

Manage immune response and cellular immunity.

B-lymphocytes

Produce antibodies as plasma cells.

NK cells

Attack abnormal and infected tissue cells.

Leukopenia

Reduced leukocyte count, increases infection risk.

Leukocytosis

Elevated leukocyte count, may indicate infection.

Differential count

Measures types and maturity of leukocytes.

Neutrophilia

Increase in neutrophils, linked to infections.

Left-shifted differential

Immature neutrophils enter circulation.

Neutropenia

Decreased neutrophil count, may indicate anemia.

Lymphocytosis

Increase in lymphocytes due to viral infections.

Eosinophil increase

Occurs during allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

Platelets

Cell fragments important for blood clotting.

Hemostasis

Stoppage of bleeding through three overlapping phases.

Vascular Spasm

Initial blood vessel constriction after injury.

Platelet Activation

Platelets release chemicals from cytosol degranulation.

Serotonin

Chemical causing prolonged vascular spasms.

Thromboxane A2

Stimulates vascular spasms and platelet attraction.

Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)

Attracts platelets and promotes their activation.

Positive Feedback

Process where activated platelets enhance further activation.

Procoagulants

Substances that promote coagulation process.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count affecting hemostasis phases.

Platelet Plug Formation

Rapid formation of a plug within 1 minute.

Prostacyclin

Prevents excessive platelet plug growth from healthy cells.

Coagulation

Process of blood clotting through fibrin mesh.

Fibrin

Insoluble protein forming a mesh in clots.

Fibrinogen

Soluble precursor that converts to fibrin.

Calcium

Essential for the clotting process.

Clotting Factors

Inactive enzymes required for blood coagulation.

Vitamin K

Coenzyme for synthesizing clotting factors 2, 7, 9, 10.

Intrinsic Pathway

Coagulation pathway activated by internal damage.

Extrinsic Pathway

Coagulation pathway activated by external trauma.

Sympathetic Response

Increased vasoconstriction and heart rate after blood loss.

Clot Retraction

Process of serum squeezing from the clot.

Fibrinolysis

Degradation of fibrin strands by plasmin.