Condition of the blood resulting from a deficiency of
haemoglobin. Symptoms include tiredness, paleness
and breathlessness after activity.
A deficiency in haemoglobin results in less oxygen
being brought to the body cells 
less oxygen available
for respiration 
less respiration 
less energy
A fluid tissue, a transport system of nutrients in the
human body, circulating in arteries and veins.
It consists of a liquid plasma containing white blood
cells, red blood corpuscles and platelets.
produced 
tiredness.
anaemia
blood
Any one of the four types of blood into which human
blood can be divided according to its compatibility in
transfusions. This compatibility is based on the
presence or absence of antigens on the red blood
corpuscles and antigens in the serum. The main types
are: A, B, AB and O.
Classification of blood by the type of antigen
present on the red blood corpuscles.
blood group(s)
blood grouping
Clear liquid portion of the blood, composed of 90%
water in which red blood corpuscles, white blood cells
and platelets are suspended together with a number of
the following dissolved substances: products of
digestion, waste products, hormones, plasma proteins,
antibodies, enzymes and salts.
The transfer of blood from one individual to another.
It is the antigen coming in that has to be considered.
The antigens of the donor must be compatible with the
antibodies of the recipient.
(blood) plasma
blood transfusions
Coagulation or the conversion of a liquid blood into a
solid clump of fibres in which blood cells are caught.
A cell, especially one floating in fluid such as blood or
a sensory nerve ending enclosed in a capsule,
e.g. Meissner's.
(blood) clotting
corpuscle(s)
Refers to a compound, e.g. haemoglobin, which has
oxygen removed from it.
The innermost layer of cells lining the heart, blood
vessels and lymphatic vessels and makes up the wall
of the capillaries.
deoxygenated
endothelium
Bi-concave discs. Have no nucleus (akaryotic) and
no mitochondria. Made in bone marrow of long bones,
Insoluble protein threads which form a mesh over a
wound and traps parts of the blood to form a scab.
e.g. ribs, sternum. Contain haemoglobin (iron necessary
for their formation). Joins with oxygen to form
oxyhaemoglobin. Effete (worn out) ones broken down
in liver. Haem (iron) part retained and stored, rest
forms part of bile.
erythrocyte(s) or red blood corpuscles
fibrin
Soluble protein found in blood. Converted to fibrin by
thrombin.
Oxygen-carrying respiratory pigment containing iron.
Present in red blood corpuscles of animals. Joins with
oxygen to form an oxygen rich
compound.
fibrinogen
haemoglobin
These are white blood cells that are formed in the bone
marrow and bring about the immune response. They
include T-cells and B-cells.
The largest of the white blood cells. Formed in the bone
marrow. Amoeboid. Engulf bacteria and dead cells.
lymphocyte(s)
monocytes
Oxygenated haemoglobin (Hb4O8),
i.e. haemoglobin with oxygen attached. Formed in the
red blood corpuscles as blood passes through the lungs.
White blood cells that can engulf and destroy
viruses and bacteria by phagocytosis.
oxyhaemoglobin
phagocytes
Small fragments of larger cells, formed in marrow. No
nuclei. Important in blood clotting.
An antigen that may be present on the surface of red
blood cells. People who have this antigen are described
as Rh positive, while those who lack the antigen are Rh
negative. The two blood types are incompatible
platelets or thrombocytes
rhesus factor
Blood plasma without fibrinogen. It does not clot.
Refers to the group of cells with a similar function
involved in the transport of substances, i.e. xylem
and phloem in plants, and blood in animals.
serum
vascular tissue
Chemical used in large quantities in rat poison.
Prevents the clotting of blood and rats die from
excessive bleeding (haemorrhaging). Use in small
quantities in human medicines to prevent blood
clotting.
Have a nucleus but no definite shape. Protect the body
against disease. There are two main types lymphocytes
and monocytes, each with different functions.
warfarin
white blood cell(s)