Medical Terminology Chapter 13 Flashcards

Blood Cells and Their Functions

• Monocyte: White blood cell that acts as a phagocyte and matures into a macrophage, crucial for immune defense.
• Lymphocyte: Type of leukocyte produced in lymph tissue; essential for antibody production and adaptive immunity.
• Eosinophil: White blood cell with reddish granules; involved in the body's response to allergens and parasitic infections.
• Neutrophil: Polymorphonuclear leukocyte originating from bone marrow, responsible for neutralizing bacteria and fungi.
• Basophil: White blood cell that releases histamine and heparin, playing a role in inflammatory responses.

Blood Cell Formation and Regulation

• Hematopoietic stem cell: A bone marrow cell that can differentiate into various blood cell types.
• Erythropoietin: Hormone produced by the kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
• Myelopoiesis: The process of forming blood cells in the bone marrow.

Plasma Proteins

• Globulins: Plasma proteins categorized into alpha, beta, and gamma types, involved in transport and immune functions.
• Albumin: Key plasma protein that maintains oncotic pressure and proper fluid balance in the bloodstream.
• Fibrinogen: Plasma protein that converts to fibrin during the clotting process.

Blood Cell Disorders and Conditions

• Leukocytopenia: A condition characterized by a low white blood cell count that can impair immune function.
• Erythrocytopenia: A deficiency in red blood cell numbers, leading to potential anemia.
• Polycythemia: An increase in red blood cells, often resulting in thicker blood and increased risk of clotting.
• Sickle cell anemia: Genetic disorder causing abnormal sickle-shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow.
• Aplastic anemia: Severe condition where the body stops producing new blood cells, leading to severe fatigue and increased infection risk.
• Thalassemia: Genetic disorder resulting in impaired hemoglobin production.

Blood Clotting and Related Terms

• Anticoagulant: Substances that delay or prevent blood clotting, essential for managing certain medical conditions.
• Thrombolytic: Agents that dissolve existing blood clots, used in treating thrombotic conditions.
• Hemophilia: Genetic disorder characterized by excessive bleeding due to a deficiency in clotting proteins.

Clinical Terms and Diagnostics

• Pancytopenia: Deficiency of all types of blood cells, indicating potential bone marrow failure.
• Coagulation: The process of blood clotting, vital for stopping bleeding.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: Test measuring the rate at which red blood cells settle in plasma; indicates inflammation or disease.
• Hematocrit: Measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, important for assessing anemia.
• Leukopheresis: Procedure that separates white blood cells from blood, used in certain treatments.

Additional Terms

• Macrocytosis: Increase in larger-than-normal red blood cells, commonly associated with specific types of anemia.
• Microcytosis: Presence of smaller-than-normal red blood cells, often linked to iron deficiency anemia.
• Immunoglobulin: Proteins that function as antibodies to identify and neutralize pathogens.
• Apheresis: A medical procedure that involves the separation of blood into its components for treatment or donation.
• Purpura: Condition marked by pinpoint hemorrhages causing purple spots on the skin, signaling bleeding disorders.
• Edema: General term for swelling caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues.