Blood and Lymphatic Systems Flashcards
agglutination
the clumping of cells as a result of interaction with specific antibodies called agglutinins. Agglutinins are used in blood typing and in identifying or estimating the strength of immunoglobulins or immune serums
albumin
a plasma protein. Various of these plasma proteins are found in practically all animal tissues and many plant tissues. In blood, it helps maintain blood volume and blood pressure
allergen
a substance that can produce a hypersensitive reaction in the body
allergy
a hypersensitive reaction to normally harmless antigens, most of which are environmental
anaphylaxis
an exaggerated, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction to a previously encountered antigen.
anisocytosis
an abnormal condition of the blood characterized by red blood cells of variable and abnormal size
antibodies
substances produced by the body in response to bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances. Each class of antibody is named for its action.
antigens
a substance, usually a protein, that causes the formation of an antibody and reacts specifically with that antibody
ascites
an abnormal intraperitoneal (within the peritoneal cavity) accumulation of a fluid containing large amounts of protein and electrolytes.
basophil
a granulocytic white blood cell characterized by cytoplasmic granules that stain blue when exposed to a basic dye. They represent 1% or less of the total white blood cell count.
bilirubin
the orange-yellow pigment f bile formed principally by the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells after termination of their normal life span.
coagulation
the process of transforming a liquid into a solid, especially of the blood
corpuscle
any cell of the body; a red or white blood cell
differentiation
a process in development in which unspecialized cells or tissues are systemically modified and altered to achieve specific and characteristic physical forms, physiologic functions, and chemical properties.
dyscrasia
an abnormal condition of the blood or bone marrow, such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, or prenatal Rh incompatibility.
edema
the abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissue
electophoresis
the movement of charged suspended particles though a liquid medium in response to changes in an electric field. Charged particles of a given substance migrate in a predictable direction and at a characteristic speed.
enzyme
an organic substance that initiates and accelerates a chemical reaction
eosinophil
a granulocytic, bilobed leukocyte somewhat larger than a neutrophil characterized by large numbers of coarse, refractile, cytoplasmic granules that stain with the acid dye eosin.
erythremia
an abnormal increase in the number or red blood cells
erythroblast
an immature red blood cell
erythrocyte
a mature red blood cell
erythropoiesis
the process of red blood cell production
erythropoietin
a hormone synthesized mainly in the kidneys and released into the bloodstream in response to anoxia (lack of oxygen). The hormone acts to stimulate and regulate the production of erythrocytes and is thus able to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.