AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Anemia
An illness marked by the reduction in the number of red blood cells or the proper functioning of the hemoglobin in the blood
Antibodies
Immunoglobulin proteins that clump onto particular antigens in the process of fighting infectious diseases
Antigen
A foreign protein that stimulates an immune response, the production of antibodies from the B-cell lymphocytes
Antigen:Antibody Complex
A highly specific clumping reaction between a certain antigen and a specific antibody
Artery
A thick-walled blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
Atherosclerosis
A thickening of the blood vessel walls due to a build up of cholesterol or plaque
B Cells
A type of lymphocyte that produces the immunoglobulin proteins called anitbodies
Blood Groups
Designated by the presence or absence of specific antigens, A, B, AB, and O groups
Blood Plasma
The liquid matrix of the blood.
Capillaries
microscopic blood vessels that exchange O2 and CO2 in the tissues
Cell Respiration
The oxygen consuming process used by the cells to release energy in the form of ATP
Cholesterol
A chemical component of blood plasma that is used in making cell membranes and can also build up inside blood vessels causing a partial or total blockage.
Clotting Factors
Chemicals produced by the platelets following an injury that cause the plasma proteins fibrinogen to be converted into threads of fibrin, which help to form the clot.
Electrolyte
A general name for the inorganic salts present in the blood stream. Electrolytes and water must be balanced for blood cells to remain intact and healthy.
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells
Fibrin
A substance formed from the plasma protein called fibrinogen that traps red blood cells to form a blood clot and then a scab.
Helper T-Cells
T-Lymphocytes that cause B-cells to multiply and to make more antibodies
Hemoglobin
An iron containing protein molecule found in great abundance in red blood cells that bins oxygen and carbon dioxide
Cardiac Cycle
alternating relaxation and contraction of the heart
Systole
the stage of the heart cycle in which the heart contracts and the blood is pumped
Diastole
stage in the heart cycle when the heart is relaxed and the chambers fill with blood.
Heart Rate
the number of heart beats or contractions in a minute
Stroke Volume
the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle during one contraction
Cardiac Output
the volume of blood pumped by the left ventricle in one minute
AV Valves
the valves located between the atria and ventricles ( bicuspid and tricuspid)