chapter 13 Flashcards
hemoglobin
. Red cells contain the unique protein hemoglobin, composed of heme (iron-containing pigment) and globin (protein
erythropoietin
Erythrocytes originate in the bone marrow. The hormone called erythropoietin (secreted
by the kidneys) stimulates their production (-poiesis means formation). Erythrocytes live
and fulfill their role of transporting gases for about 120 days in the bloodstream. After this
time, macrophages (in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow) destroy the worn-out
erythrocytes
bilirubin
Macrophages break down erythrocytes and hemoglobin into heme and globin (protein)
portions. The heme releases iron and decomposes into a yellow-orange pigment called
bilirubin. The iron in hemoglobin is used again to form new red cells or is stored in the
spleen, liver, or bone marrow. Bilirubin is excreted into bile by the liver, and from bile it
enters the small intestine via the common bile duct. Finally it is excreted in the stool,
where its color changes to brown
colony-stimulating factors (CSFs)
promote the growth of
granulocytes in bone marrow. G-CSF (granulocyte CSF) and GM-CSF (granulocytemacrophage CSF) are given to restore granulocyte production in cancer patients.
Erythropoietin, like CSFs, can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques. It stimulates
red blood cell production (erythropoiesis).
granulocytes, or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)
. The three granulocytic leukocytes end with the suffix -phil (meaning attraction
to). This reflects their affinity for various dyes.
re the most numerous of the granulocytes.
Mononuclear (containing one large nucleus) leukocytes do not have large numbers of
granules in their cytoplasm, but they may have a few granules.
These are lymphocytes and
monocytes (see Figure 13-1). Lymphocytes are made in bone marrow and lymph nodes
and circulate both in the bloodstream and in the parallel circulating system, the lymphatic
system.
Lymphocytes play an important role in the immune response that protects the body
against infection. They can directly attack foreign matter and, in addition, make antibodies
that neutralize and can lead to the destruction of foreign antigens.
Monocytes are phagocytic cells that also fight disease. As macrophages, they move from
the bloodstream into tissues and dispose of dead and dying cells and other tissue debris
by phagocytosis.
megakaryocytes
Platelets, actually blood cell fragments, are formed in bone marrow from giant cells with
multilobed nuclei called megakaryocytes (Figure 13-6A and B). The main function of
platelets is to help blood to clot. Specific terms related to blood clotting are discussed later
in this chapter.
PLASMA
The four major plasma proteins are albumin,
globulins, fibrinogen, and prothrombin
Albumin
maintains the proper proportion (and concentration) of water in the blood.
Edema
a (swelling) results when too much fluid from blood “leaks” out
into tissues.
Globulins
alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. The gamma globulins are immunoglobulins, which are
antibodies that bind to and sometimes destroy antigens (foreign substances)
electrophoresis.
s. In this process, an electrical current passes through a solution of plasma.
The different proteins in plasma separate as they migrate at different speeds to the source
of the electricity.
Plasmapheresis (-apheresis means removal
is the process of separating plasma from
cells and then removing the plasma from the patient. In plasmapheresis, the entire blood
sample is spun in a centrifuge machine, and the plasma, being lighter in weight than the
cells, moves to the top of the sample.
packed red cells
whole blood with most of the
plasma removed
hemolysis
(breakdown of red blood cells
(disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC
This may be followed
by excessive clotting in blood vessels
Rh factor
(named because it was first found in the blood
of a rhesus monkey). The term Rh positive (Rh+) refers to a person who is born with the
Rh antigen on his or her red blood cells. An Rh negative (Rh−) person does not have the
Rh antigen.
coagulation
Blood clotting
a fibrin clot
from the plasma protein fibrinogen. The suffix -gen means giving
rise to The fibrin threads form the clot by trapping red blood cells (Figure 13-9 shows a red
blood cell trapped by fibrin threads). Then the clot retracts into a tight ball, leaving behind
a clear fluid called serum
Anticoagulant substances
inhibit blood clotting, so clots do not form.
Heparin
produced by tissue cells
(especially in the liver), is an example of an anticoagulant
warfarin
Coumadin
) are given to patients with thromboembolic diseases to prevent the formation
of clots. Newer oral anticoagulants (NOACs) work by inhibiting blood clotting factors such
as thrombin.
thrombin
Enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin during coagulation
bas/o
base (alkaline,
the opposite of
acid)
basophil
The suffix -phil means attraction to. Granules in basophils are
attracted to a basic dye
hypochromic
Hypochromic anemia is marked by a decreased concentration of
hemoglobin in red blood cells.
coagul/o
clotting
cyt/o
cell
eosin/o
red, dawn, rosy
granul/o
granules
hematocrit
The suffix -crit means to separate. The hematocrit gives the
percentage of red blood cells in a volume of blood
is/o
same, equal
