| A | B |
|---|
| endocrine glands | produce the hormones carried by blood |
| plasma | liquid component, makes up about 55% of whole blood |
| red blood cells (RBCs) | Make up about 45% of whole blood volume and 99.9% of the formed elements |
| hemoglobin | pigment which binds to and transports oxygen and carbon dioxide |
| antigens | substances that can trigger an immune response |
| cross-reaction or transfusion-reaction | RBCs clump and break open if wrong blood type is given, potentially clogging small vessels in the kidneys, lungs, heart, or brain |
| erythrocytes | another name for red blood cells |
| leukocytes | another name for white blood cells |
| white blood cells (WBCs) | defend the body against infection, foreign cells, or toxins, and assist in the repair of damaged tissues. |
| leukopenia | reduced number of WBCs |
| leukocytosis | excessive numbers of WBCs |
| platelets | initiate the clotting process and help closed injured blood vessels |
| megakaryocytes | bone marrow cells that produce platelets |
| hematocrit | measure of the number and size of RBCs |
