Chapter 8 - Unit 2

Question 1

Hematocrit

Answer 1

Percentage of your blood volume that is made up of RBCs

Question 2

Plasma

Answer 2

• Fluid portion of blood
• Consists of water, dissolved gases, proteins, sugars, vitamins, minerals, hormones, etc.
• Makes up 55%

Question 3

Erythrocytes

Answer 3

• RBC
• 44% of blood
• Lives for 120 days
• Biconcave
• no nucleus

Question 4

Leukocytes

Answer 4

• Another term for WBC
• Part of the body’s response to infection
• Makes up 1% of total blood volume
• Have nuclei and appear colourless
• Three categories of WBC: Granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes

Question 5

Thrombocytes

Answer 5

• Another term for platelets
• Contain no nuclei
• Produced by megakaryocytes (stem cells)
• Last in blood for 2-8 days
• Play key role in blood clotting

Question 6

Stem Cells

Answer 6

Undifferentiated cells found in bone marrow that can develop into any type of blood cell — red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

Question 7

Phagocytosis

Answer 7

A process where certain white blood cells (like neutrophils and monocytes) surround, engulf, and digest harmful bacteria, viruses, or dead cells.

Question 8

Granulocytes

Answer 8

A type of white blood cell that contains granules (tiny sacs with enzymes) to help destroy pathogens. Includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Question 9

Monocytes

Answer 9

Large white blood cells that digest pathogens and dead cells. They also help signal other immune cells to respond to infection. They can turn into macrophages.

Question 10

Lymphocytes

Answer 10

White blood cells that are part of the specific immune response. There are two main types:

B cells – produce antibodies

T cells – attack infected cells

Question 11

Anemia

Answer 11

A condition where the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin is too low, leading to fatigue, weakness, and poor oxygen delivery.

Question 12

Leukemia

Answer 12

A type of cancer of the bone marrow, causing the body to make too many abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy cells.

Question 13

Prothrombin

Answer 13

A plasma protein made in the liver that is converted into thrombin during blood clotting.

Question 14

Thrombin

Answer 14

An enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin, helping form a blood clot.

Question 15

Fibrinogen

Answer 15

A soluble protein in the blood that is converted into fibrin during blood clotting.

Question 16

Fibrin

Answer 16

An insoluble protein that forms threads or a mesh to trap blood cells and stop bleeding — the main structure of a blood clot.

Question 17

Hemophilia

Answer 17

A genetic disorder where the blood lacks certain clotting factors, making it hard for a person to stop bleeding.

Question 18

Sickle cell anemia

Answer 18

A genetic disorder where red blood cells are shaped like sickles (crescent moons), causing blockages in blood vessels and reduced oxygen delivery.