Chapter 28 Part 1 Flashcards
What is anemia?
Decreased red blood cell (RBC) count
Anemia can lead to fatigue and weakness due to insufficient oxygen transport.
Define a band cell.
Slightly immature neutrophil
Band cells are indicative of an ongoing immune response.
What is a blast cell?
Primitive white blood cell (WBC)
Blast cells are often precursors to mature blood cells.
What are cytokines?
Proteins produced by leukocytes vital to regulation of hematopoiesis, apoptosis, and immune responses
Cytokines play a crucial role in cell signaling.
What does differentiation refer to in hematology?
Development of functions and characteristics different from those of the parent stem cell
Differentiation is essential for the formation of specialized blood cells.
What is an erythrocyte?
A cellular component of blood involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide (synonym: red blood cell [RBC])
Erythrocytes are the most abundant type of blood cell.
Describe erythropoiesis.
Process of the formation of RBCs
Erythropoiesis primarily occurs in the bone marrow.
What is erythropoietin?
Hormone produced primarily by the kidney; necessary for erythropoiesis
Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.
Define fibrin.
Filamentous protein; basis of thrombus and blood clot
Fibrin forms a mesh that stabilizes blood clots.
What is fibrinogen?
Protein converted into fibrin to form thrombus and clot
Fibrinogen is a soluble plasma protein that is essential for clot formation.
What is fibrinolysis?
Process of breakdown of fibrin clot
Fibrinolysis is crucial for the removal of clots after healing.
Define granulocyte.
Granulated WBC (i.e., neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil)
Granulocytes play a key role in the immune response.
What does hematocrit measure?
Percentage of total blood volume consisting of RBCs
Hematocrit values are important for assessing anemia and hydration status.
What is hematopoiesis?
Complex process of the formation and maturation of blood cells
Hematopoiesis occurs in the bone marrow and is regulated by various growth factors.
What is hemoglobin?
Iron-containing protein of RBCs; delivers oxygen to tissues
Hemoglobin also helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Define hemostasis.
Intricate balance between clot formation and clot dissolution
Hemostasis is critical for preventing excessive bleeding and ensuring proper blood flow.
What is a leukocyte?
Cellular component of blood involved in defense; subtypes include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes (synonym: white blood cell [WBC])
Leukocytes are essential for the immune response.
What does leukopenia refer to?
Less-than-normal amount of WBCs in circulation
Leukopenia can increase susceptibility to infections.
What is a lymphocyte?
Form of WBC involved in immune functions
Lymphocytes include T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells.
Define lymphoid.
Pertaining to lymphocytes
Lymphoid tissues are essential for the production and maturation of lymphocytes.
What is a macrophage?
Reticuloendothelial cells capable of phagocytosis
Macrophages play a key role in the immune response by engulfing pathogens.
What is a monocyte?
Large WBC that becomes a macrophage when it leaves circulation and moves into body tissues
Monocytes are important for inflammation and tissue repair.
Define myeloid.
Pertaining to nonlymphoid blood cells that differentiate into RBCs, platelets, macrophages, mast cells, and various WBCs
Myeloid cells are crucial for various functions in the blood and immune system.
