Veterinary Physiology - Blood

The liquid portion of blood, containing various proteins, electrolytes, and other substances.

A critical process for stopping bleeding, involving a complex cascade of proteins and cells to form a clot.

Specialized cells in the blood, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

A network of cells and tissues, primarily in the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, responsible for filtering and removing old blood cells and other debris.

Distinct groups of blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

The process of molecules moving from an area of high concentration to low concentration, essential for nutrient delivery and waste removal in multicellular organisms.

A complex network of vessels that delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the internal environment of the body.

The rate of metabolism within an organ can be assessed by measuring the density of blood vessels supplying it.

The fluid connective tissue that circulates throughout the body, carrying oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other vital substances.

The clear, yellowish fluid component of blood that contains dissolved proteins, nutrients, and waste products.

Red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets all work together to maintain the health and functionality of the circulatory system.

These cells carry oxygen throughout the body, giving blood its characteristic red color.

These cells play a vital role in the immune system, defending the body against infections and foreign invaders.

The liquid component of blood that makes up approximately 55% of its total volume.

Plasma contains organic substances like antibodies, hormones, vitamins, enzymes, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and inorganic salts like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate.

The cellular portion of blood, composed of red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).

Erythrocytes are flattened, biconcave cells that carry oxygen bound to their hemoglobin.

Erythrocytes are continuously produced in the red bone marrow of long bones, ribs, skull, and vertebrae.

Erythrocytes are biconcave discs with a large surface area, they lack a nucleus, can change shape, and contain hemoglobin. They make up nearly 45% of the blood volume.

Red blood cells have a lifespan of 120 days, after which they are destroyed in the liver and spleen. Iron from hemoglobin is recycled, while the heme units are degraded and secreted as pigment in bile.

Two million red blood cells are produced every second to replace those removed from circulation.

White blood cells, larger than red blood cells, with a nucleus and no hemoglobin. They are essential for fighting infections.

Leucocytes move through capillary walls to reach interstitial spaces where they combat infections and clean up cellular debris.

A type of leucocyte that engulfs and destroys foreign substances.

Leucocytes are categorized into two groups: those with granules (granulocytes) and those without (agranulocytes).

A type of granulocyte that enters tissue fluid and destroys foreign substances through phagocytosis.

A type of leucocyte that releases growth factors promoting an increase in other leucocytes.

Lymphocytes play a crucial role in fighting infections. T-cells attack virus-infected cells, while B-cells produce antibodies.

Neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages are collectively known as phagocytes, while lymphocytes are also called immunocytes.

Tiny cell fragments responsible for blood clotting and wound repair. They lack a nucleus and are formed from megakaryocytes.

Megakaryocytes release small cytoplasmic fragments, each with a plasma membrane, to form platelets.

Platelets have a short lifespan, about 5-9 days, before being removed by the liver and spleen.

Platelets contain granules with various regulatory factors that help with coagulation, inflammation, and immune defenses.

Platelets form a temporary plug at the site of a broken blood vessel, helping to stop bleeding.

Platelets are normally kept inactive by nitric oxide (NO) and a prostaglandin called prostacyclin (PgI2).

Serum is plasma without clotting factors. It's the liquid part of blood after clotting occurs.

The liquid portion of blood that remains after removing clotting factors, primarily fibrinogen.

A substance that prevents blood clotting by interfering with specific steps in the coagulation cascade.

A mucoprotein anticoagulant that activates antithrombin III, which in turn inhibits thrombin, a key enzyme in the coagulation cascade.

A chemical compound that prevents blood clotting by binding calcium ions, making them unavailable for the coagulation process.

A group of anticoagulant drugs that interfere with the production of clotting factors, primarily by inhibiting the enzyme vitamin K reductase.

A powerful enzyme that breaks down fibrin clots, often used for treating thrombotic disorders.

A type of test tube that contains heparin as an anticoagulant, usually identified by a green top or cap.

A type of test tube that contains EDTA as an anticoagulant, usually identified by a purple or mauve top or cap.