Buffy coat
a thin layer of white blood cells and platelets that lies between the red blood cells and plasma in a blood sample that has gone through centrifuge.
Coagulation
the process by which the enzyme thrombin and the protein fibrinogen combine to from fibrin, a fiber that weaves around the platelet plug to form a blood clot; takes between 2 and 15 minutes to complete
Erythropoiesis
The process by which red blood cells are produced.
Diapedesis
The passage of blood or any of its formed elements through the blood vessel walls into body tissues.
Erythropoietin ( EPO)
A hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.
Fibrin
A long, thread-like fiber created by the combination of thrombin and fibrinogen; weaves around the platelet plug to form blood clot
formed elements
the solid components of blood; red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
hematocrit
the percentage of total blood volume that is composed of red blood cells
hemoglobin
an essential molecule of the red blood cells that serves as the binding site for oxygen and carbon dioxide; composed of two molecules: globin and heme
hemolysis
The rupture of red blood cells as a result of disease or old age
plasma
the liquid component of blood
hemostasis
the sequence of events that cause a blood clot to form and bleeding to stop
platelets
part of the formed elements of the blood; play a vital role in blood clotting
platelet plug
gathering of platelets that foms a small mass of the site of an injury
red blood cells
part of the fomed elements of the blood; contain homoglobin, a protein responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange; also known as erythrocytes
white blood cells
part of the formed elements of the blood; fight infection and protect the body through various mechanisms.
