A white blood cell that does not have visible granules in its cytoplasm; agranulocytes include lymphocytes and monocytes
agranulocyte
A simple protein found in blood plasma
albumin
A protein produced in response to and interacting specifically with an antigen
antibody
A substance that induces the formation of an antibody
antigen
Immune cell that takes in a foreign antigen, processes it, and presents it on the cell surface in combination with the body’s own proteins, thus activating a T cell; examples are dendritic cells and macrophages, which are descendants of monocytes
antigen-presenting cell (APC)
A lymphocyte that matures in bone marrow and is active in producing antibodies; B lymphocyte
B cell
An immature neutrophil with a nucleus in the shape of a band; also called a stab cell; band cell counts are used to trace infections and other diseases
band cell
A granular leukocyte that stains strongly with basic dyes; active in allergic reactions
basophil
The fluid that circulates in the cardiovascular system
blood (roots: hem/o, hemat/o)
Blood clotting
coagulation
Testing the compatibility of donor and recipient blood in preparation for a transfusion; donor red cells are mixed with recipient serum to look for an immunologic reaction; similar tests are done on tissues before transplantation
cross-matching
A substance that separates into charged particles (ions) in solution; a salt; term also applied to ions in body fluids
electrolyte
A granular leukocyte that stains strongly with acidic dyes; active in allergic reactions and defense against parasites
eosinophil
A red blood cell (roots: erythr/o, erythrocyt/o)
erythrocyte
A hormone produced in the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow; this hormone is now made by genetic engineering for clinical use
erythropoietin (EPO)
The protein that forms a clot in the blood coagulation process
fibrin
The inactive precursor of fibrin formed elements The cellular components of blood
fibrinogen
The fraction of the blood plasma that contains antibodies; given for passive transfer of immunity
gamma globulin
A white blood cell that has visible granules in its cytoplasm; granulocytes include neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils
granulocyte
The iron-containing pigment in red blood cells that transports oxygen
hemoglobin (Hb, Hgb)
The stoppage of bleeding
hemostasis
The state of being protected against a disease (root: immun/o)
immunity
An antibody; immunoglobulins fall into five classes, each abbreviated with a capital letter: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE
immunoglobulin (Ig)
A white blood cell (roots: leuk/o, leukocyt/o)
leukocyte
