Blood: Vocabulary

Blood Groups & Components

• ABO blood groupA classification of human blood based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood ce: A classification of human blood based on the presence or absence of A and B antigensMolecules on the surface of cells that trigger an immune response. on red blood cellsThe basic structural and functional units of life..
• Adult hemoglobinThe oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red color. (HbA): The predominant hemoglobin in adults, composed of two alpha and two beta chains.
• Agglutinate: The clumping of cells, particularly red blood cells, due to antigen-antibody reactions.
• Agglutination: The clumping of red blood cells when antibodies bind to their specific antigens.
• Agglutinins: Antibodies that cause agglutinationThe clumping of red blood cells when antibodies bind to their specific antigens. by binding to specific antigens.
• Agglutinogens: Antigens on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type.
• Albumin: A plasmaThe liquid component of blood. protein that helps maintain osmotic pressureThe force exerted by water moving across a membrane due to osmosis. and transport substances.

Blood Disorders & Anemia

• Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport.
• Aplastic anemiaA condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxyge: A type of anemia caused by failure of bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
• Hemolytic anemia: Anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells before their normal lifespan ends.
• Hemorrhagic anemia: Anemia due to excessive blood loss.
• Hypoplastic anemia: Anemia caused by reduced erythropoiesisThe process of red blood cell production. due to bone marrow dysfunction.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: Anemia caused by inadequate iron intake or absorption, leading to reduced hemoglobin synthesis.
• Pernicious anemia: A type of anemia caused by a deficiency of intrinsic factorA stomach-secreted protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption, leading to poor vitamin B12 absorption.
• Sickle cell disease: A genetic disorder causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and prone to blocking blood vessels.

Blood Proteins & Pigments

• Bile pigments: Colored substances produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin, including bilirubinA yellow pigment produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin, excess amounts cause jaundice. and biliverdinA green pigment that results from heme breakdown and is converted into bilirubin..
• Bilirubin: A yellow pigment produced from the breakdown of hemeThe iron-containing portion of hemoglobin that binds oxygen., excreted in bileA digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; it helps emulsify fats for di.
• Biliverdin: A green pigment that results from heme breakdown and is converted into bilirubin.
• Fibrin: An insoluble protein that forms the mesh of blood clots.
• Fibrinogen: A plasma protein converted into fibrinAn insoluble protein that forms the mesh of blood clots. during blood clotting.
• Globulins: Plasma proteinsLarge molecules made of amino acids with various functions in the body. involved in immunity, clotting, and transport.

Blood Formation & Regulation

• Blood fractionation: The process of separating blood components using centrifugation.
• Blood serum: Plasma without clotting proteins, used in medical tests.
• Buffy coat: The thin layer of white blood cells and platelets between plasma and red blood cells in centrifuged blood.
• Carbonic anhydrase: An enzyme in red blood cells that helps convert carbon dioxide and waterThe universal solvent essential for life. into carbonic acid(H₂CO₃) – A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water; plays a key role in blood pH re.
• Colony-forming unit (CFU): A stem cell that differentiates into specific blood cell types.
• Erythroblasts: Immature red blood cells in bone marrow that develop into erythrocytes(RBCs): Red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport..
• Erythrocytes (RBCs): Red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.
• Erythropoiesis: The process of red blood cell production.
• Erythropoietin (EPO): A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates erythropoiesis.
• Ferritin: A protein that stores iron in the liverA large organ that produces bile, detoxifies blood, and stores nutrients. and other tissues.
• Fetal hemoglobin (HbF): A form of hemoglobin found in fetuses that has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin.
• Formed elements: The cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Gastroferritin: A stomach protein that binds iron and facilitates its absorption.
• Hematocrit: The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.
• Colloid osmotic pressureThe force exerted by gases in the respiratory system, affecting airflow and gas exchange.: The osmotic pull exerted by plasma proteins, chiefly albuminA plasma protein that helps maintain osmotic pressure and transport substances., that holds fluid inside the blood vessels.
• Hematology: The study of blood and blood disorders.
• Hematopoiesis: The process of blood cell formation in bone marrow.
• Hematopoietic stem cell: A multipotent stem cell that gives rise to all blood cells.
• Hematopoietic tissues: Tissues such as bone marrow and lymphoid organs where blood cells are formed.
• Heme: The iron-containing portion of hemoglobin that binds oxygen.
• Hemoglobin (Hb): The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
• Hemoglobin concentration: The amount of hemoglobin in a given volume of blood.
• Hemolysis: The rupture of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the blood.
• Hypoxia: A deficiency of oxygen in the tissues.
• Intrinsic factor: A stomach-secreted protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
• Jaundice: A condition caused by excess bilirubin, leading to yellowing of the skinThe body’s largest organ, providing protection and regulation. and eyes.

Blood Flow & Circulatory System

• Cardiovascular system: The system consisting of the heart and blood vessels that circulates blood throughout the body.
• Circulatory system: The system that includes the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, responsible for transporting fluids and nutrients.
• Laminar flow: Smooth, orderly blood flow in parallel layers, without turbulenceIrregular, chaotic blood flow that increases resistance and can contribute to clot formation..
• Osmolarity: The concentration of solutes in blood, affecting fluid balanceThe maintenance of proper fluid volume and distribution in the body..
• Packed cell volume (PCV): Another term for hematocritThe percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells., measuring the proportion of red blood cells in blood.
• Plasma: The liquid component of blood, consisting of water, proteins, nutrients, and hormones.
• Viscosity: The thickness or resistanceThe opposition to airflow in the respiratory tract, influenced by airway diameter. to flow in a fluid, such as blood.

White Blood Cells & Immune Function

• Plasma cells: Immune cells that develop from B cells and produce antibodies.
• Antibodies (Immunoglobulins): Proteins produced by the immune system to target specific antigens.
• Antigens: Molecules on the surface of cells that trigger an immune response.
• Lymphoid hematopoiesisThe process of blood cell formation in bone marrow.: The production of lymphocytes in lymphatic tissues.
• Myeloid hematopoiesis: Blood cell formation occurring in the bone marrow.

Blood Cell Disorders & Abnormalities

• Nitrogenous wastes: Metabolic waste products like urea, creatinine, and uric acidA substance that releases hydrogen ions (H⁺) in solution., excreted by the kidneys.
• Primary polycythemia: An overproduction of red blood cells due to bone marrow abnormalities.
• Secondary polycythemia: An increase in red blood cells due to factors like low oxygen levels or increased erythropoietin(EPO): A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates erythropoiesis. production.
• Reticulocyte: An immature red blood cell released from the bone marrow.
• Transferrin: A blood plasma protein that transports iron.

Blood Typing & Transfusion

• Universal donor: A person with type O blood, which lacks A and B antigens and can be donated to any blood type.
• Universal recipient: A person with type AB blood, which lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies, allowing them to receive any blood type.