blood Flashcards
What are antigens ?
Proteins on the surfaces of cells
What is an antibody ?
A protein that is used by the immune system to identify and destro foreign objects
Where are antibodies found ?
In the plasma
Why are antibodies “Y” shaped ?
So that they can attach on to more than one foreign cell at a time, which forms blood clots
What is agglutination ?
When antibodies form clumps while attacking foreign cells.
What prevent blood loss by forming clots ?
Platelets
Where is the plasma in the blood ?
The upper layer (55%)
What is an erythrocyte ?
A red blood cell (RBC)
What is the average life span of an RBC ?
120 days
Where are old and worn out RBCs destroyed ?
the liver and spleen
Where are RBCs produced ?
red bone marrow
About how many RBCs are destroyed each second ?
2 million
Where are the blood cells in the blood ?
the bottom layer (45%)
What cells remove dead and drying cells, attack viruses and bacteria, and fight cancer cells ?
White blood cells
What is a normal hematocrit (percentage of RBCs) ?
45%
Do RBCs or WBCs have a nucleous ?
WBCs
If there is low oxygen in the blood, what happens ?
more RBCs are made
What is Polycythemia ?
a disorder where an excessive amount of RBCs are produced, making the blood think and more likely to clot.
What is plasma ?
A non living liquid portion of the blood that helps to distribute heat, transport hormones and waste, and helps with clotting.
Where are WBCs found ?
tissue fluid of lymphatic tissue, bone marrow, spleen, thymus or other organs
How long can WBCs live ?
a couple hours - a year
What is a condition where there are not enough RBCs or the RBCs do not have enough hemoglobin ?
Anemia
What are the granular leokocytes ?
neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils
What is a lymphocyte’s job ?
to attack infected cells and cancer cells
