Fundamentals of Hematology and Immunology: Structure and Functions of Blood

Blood is not bone marrow, muscle tissue, or connective tissue. It is a fluid that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.

Erythrocytes are commonly known as red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Leukocytes are white blood cells, thrombocytes are platelets, and plasma is the liquid component of blood.

Leukocytes, commonly known as White Blood Cells (WBCs), play a crucial role in the body's immune system to fight off infections and diseases. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are responsible for carrying oxygen, Platelets are involved in blood clotting, and Plasma is the liquid component of blood.

Agranulocytes are a type of white blood cell that lack visible granules in their cytoplasm, which distinguishes them from granulocytes. Lymphocytes and monocytes are examples of agranulocytes, serving important functions in the immune system.

Albumin is a specific protein found in blood plasma that helps regulate blood volume.

An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen, with the specific function of binding to that antigen.

An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies.

B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, play a key role in the immune system by producing antibodies to fight off infections.

A band cell refers to a specific type of white blood cell, not to musical instruments, office supplies, or technology companies. It is important in tracing infections and diseases.

Basophils are a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and are characterized by their staining properties and granular appearance.

Coagulation specifically refers to the process of blood clotting in the body.

Cross matching refers to the process of testing the compatibility of a potential organ or blood donor with the recipient's immune system to prevent adverse reactions.

An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into ions in solution, allowing it to conduct electricity.

Eosinophils are a specific type of white blood cell, not red blood cell. They are known for their role in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone specifically produced in the kidneys to regulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow. It plays a crucial role in maintaining oxygen levels in the body.

Fibrin is a protein involved in the blood coagulation process by forming clots to stop bleeding.

Fibrinogen is a soluble protein that is essential for blood clotting. It is converted into fibrin during the clotting process.

Formed elements refer to the cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They are responsible for various functions such as oxygen transport, immune response, and blood clotting.

Gamma globulin specifically refers to the fraction of blood plasma that contains antibodies, which play a crucial role in the immune system's defense against pathogens.

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell with visible granules in their cytoplasm, not red blood cells, platelets, or nervous system cells.

Hemoglobin is the iron-containing pigment in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it throughout the body, allowing for efficient oxygen transport. It is essential for oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.

Hemostatis refers to the process of stopping bleeding, typically through blood clotting mechanisms.

Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist the harmful effects of a particular disease or pathogen. It involves the body's immune system recognizing and responding to foreign substances.

Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are proteins produced by plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in response to foreign substances entering the body. They play a critical role in the immune response by specifically recognizing and binding to antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, not red blood cells, digestive system cells, or bone cells.

A megakaryocyte is a unique type of cell found in the bone marrow that functions in the production of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.