Medical Terminology for Blood and Lymphatic System

Copyright ©2011 All rights reserved.Florida State College of Jacksonville | Professor: Michael L. Whitchurch, MHS
Hematology and Immunology
Medical Terminology for Health Professionals
Michael L. Whitchurch, MHS
Blood and Lymphatic System
Hematology is the medical specialty that studies the
anatomy and physiology of the blood and uses
diagnostic tests, medical and surgical procedures, and
drugs to treat blood diseases.
Immunology is the medical specialty that studies
the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system
and uses diagnostic tests, medical and surgical
procedures, and drugs to treat lymphatic and immune
response diseases.

Learning Objectives
1. Identify the structures of the blood and the lymphatic system.
2. Describe the processes of blood clotting and the immune response.
3. Describe common blood, lymphatic, and immune diseases and
conditions, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, medical and surgical
procedures, and drug categories.
4. Give the medical meaning of word parts related to the blood and immune
system.
5. Build blood, lymph system, and immune response words from word parts
and divide and define those words.
6. Spell and pronounce blood, lymph system, and immune response words.
7. Analyze the medical content and meaning of an immunology report

Anatomy and Physiology
• The Blood
– Contains blood cells, blood cell fragments, water, and
other substances (proteins, clotting factors, etc.)
– Transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and
waste products
– Contains cells that also function as part of the
immune system

Anatomy and Physiology
• The Lymphatic System
– Consists of the lymphatic vessels, lymph fluid, lymph
nodes, lymphoid tissues, and lymphoid organs
– Forms a pathway throughout the body that is
separate from that of the cardiovascular system that
contains the blood
– Defends the body against microorganisms and
cancerous cells

Anatomy of the Blood
• Plasma
– Clear, straw-colored liquid (about 90% water) that
makes up 55% of the blood.
– The formed elements of the blood
 erythrocytes
 leukocytes
 platelets
• All are suspended in the plasma

• Plasma
– Contains amino acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, electrolytes,
glucose, minerals, and vitamins from digested foods
– Contains substances the body produces itself such as: albumin,
bilirubin, hormones, complement proteins, and clotting factors.
– Contains creatinine and urea, which are waste products of
cellular metabolism.

• Hematopoiesis
– Process by which all formed elements
in plasma are produced
– Occurs in the red marrow of long
bones and flat bones
– Very immature cells are stem cells
http://www.curesearch.org/Hodgkins-Lymphoma-Just-Diagnosed-Information/

• Erythrocytes
– Most numerous of the formed elements in the plasma
– Red blood cell that is a round, somewhat flattened, red disk
– Unique because, unlike other body cells, they have no cell
nucleus when they are mature
erythr/o -cytes

Figure 6-4 Erythrocytes
Andrew Syred/Photo Researchers, Inc.

• Erythrocytes
– Contain hemoglobin, a red, iron-containing molecule that binds to
oxygen molecules to form oxyhemoglobin.
– Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the
body, and carries carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs.
erythr/o -cytes

• Erythrocytes
– Very immature cells are known as stem cells.
– Erythrocyte stem cells mature to become erythroblasts and then
normoblasts.
– Reticulocytes are immature erythrocytes that are released into the
blood.
– Hormone erythropoietin from the kidneys increases erythrocyte
production.
erythr/o -cytes

• Erythrocytes
– Do not have a nucleus, so they cannot divide or repair themselves.
– Last 120 days before they begin to deteriorate.
– Specialized cells (macrophages) break down erythrocytes’
hemoglobin into heme and globins.
erythr/o -cytes

• Erythrocytes
– Iron stripped from heme molecules is stored in the liver and the
spleen; the remainder of heme molecules is converted to
bilirubin.
– Bilirubin plays an important role as an antioxidant, protecting
body cells from damage by free radicals.
erythr/o -cytes

• Leukocytes
– White blood cells that include five types of cells
 neutrophils
 eosinophils
 basophils
 lymphocytes, and
 Monocytes
Can be identified by the presence or absence of granules in their cytoplasm and the
shape of their nucleus

• Leukocytes
– Leukocytes with large granules in their cytoplasm are
categorized as granulocytes, which include neutrophils,
eosinophils, and basophils.
– Leukocytes with few or no granules in their cytoplasm are
categorized as agranulocytes, which include lymphocytes and
monocytes.

• Neutrophils
– Most common leukocyte, making up 40% to 60% of leukocytes
in blood
– Categorized as granulocytes
– Nucleus has many segments or lobes, so they are also known
as polymorphonucleated leukocytes (PMNs), polys, segs, or
segmenters

• Neutrophils
– Develop in the red marrow from stem cells that become
myeloblasts, then myelocytes, then bands (also known as
stabs), then mature neutrophils
– Engulf and destroy bacteria (phagocytosis)
– Live only a few days or even just a few hours if they are actively
destroying bacteria

• Eosinophils
– Make up just 1% to 4% of leukocytes
– Categorized as granulocytes; also known as eos
– Nucleus has two lobes
– Develop in the red marrow
– Engulf and destroy foreign cells (pollen, animal dander, etc.)
– Release chemicals that kill parasites

• Basophils
– Least common leukocyte, making up 0.5% to 1% of leukocytes
– Categorized as granulocytes; also known as basos
– Nucleus has more than one lobe
– Release histamine at the site of tissue injury
– Release heparin, an anticoagulant

Anatomy of the Blood (con't)
• Lymphocytes
– Make up 20% to 40% of leukocytes.
– Categorized as agranulocytes and are the smallest leukocytes;
they are also known as lymphs.
– Nucleus is round and nearly fills the cell.
– Some lymphocytes live for just a few days, while others live for
many years.

• Lymphocytes
– Begin development in red marrow; some become B cells or
natural killer cells; others migrate to the thymus to become T
cells
– Present in the blood and lymph nodes; destroy viruses and
produce antibodies

• Monocytes
– Make up 2% to 4% of leukocytes
– Categorized as agranulocytes and are the largest leukocytes;
also known as monos
– Have a large amount of cytoplasm, and nucleus is large and
kidney bean shaped

• Monocytes
– Are phagocytes that engulf and destroy microorganisms,
cancerous cells, dead leukocytes, and cellular debris.
– Monocytes in the lymph nodes, intestine, liver, pancreas,
thymus, spleen, bone, and skin are known as macrophages.

Table 6-1 (continued) Leukocyte Types and Characteristics

• Thrombocytes (also known as platelets)
– Different from other blood cells because they are
only cell fragments
– Active in the blood-clotting process
– Begin in the red marrow as stem cells that then
become megakaryoblasts, and then mature into
megakaryocytes, very large cells
– Cytoplasm of the megakaryocyte breaks away at
the edges to form cell fragments (thrombocytes)
that are released into the blood

• Other Substances in the Plasma
– Water
– Amino acids
– Cholesterol
– Triglycerides
– Electrolytes

• Blood Type
– Most important blood types are the ABO and Rh blood groups
– ABO blood group contains A, B, AB, and O antigens

• Blood Type
– Rh blood group has 47 different antigens
– Rh is positive when antigens are present on erythrocytes
– Rh is negative when antigens are not present on erythrocytes

Physiology of Blood Clotting
• Platelet aggregation ―Thrombocytes form clumps to
decrease blood loss
• Coagulation ― Blood clot forms
• Hemostasis ― Cessation of bleeding
When clotting factors in the plasma are activated to form
a blood clot, the fluid portion of plasma that remains is
known as serum.
Susumu Nishinaga/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Table 6-3 Blood Clotting Factors

Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
• Lymphatic Vessels, Lymph, and
Lymph Nodes
– Lymphatic vessels are similar in structure
to blood vessels, but with several important
differences.
– Begin as tiny lymphatic capillaries in the
tissues.

• Lymphatic Vessels, Lymph, and
Lymph Nodes
– End in ducts that empty into large veins
in the neck.
– Tissue fluid enters a lymphatic capillary
and becomes lymph, the fluid that
circulates through the lymphatic system.

• Lymphatic capillaries have
large openings in their walls
that allow microorganisms and
cancerous cells to enter.
• Lymphatic capillaries become
larger lymphatic vessels that
bring lymph to the lymph
nodes.
• Valves keep the lymph flowing
in one direction.

• Lymph nodes
– Filter the lymph
– Contain macrophages that destroy
microorganisms or cancer cells
– Grouped in chains in areas
invaded by microorganisms or
cancerous cells

• Lymphoid Tissues
– Contain lymphocytes and
macrophages that are active in
the immune response
 Tonsils and adenoids in the oral
cavity
 Appendix and Peyer’s patches in
the small intestine

• Lymphoid Organs
– Thymus is located within the
mediastinum and helps lymphoblasts
mature into T lymphocytes
– Spleen is located on left side of
abdominal cavity and is the largest
organ in the lymphatic system
– Spleen removes old erythrocytes from
the blood
– Spleen also acts as storage area for
whole blood, which is released into the
circulatory system during times of
danger or injury

Physiology of the Immune Response
Immune Response
• Detects and destroys invading microorganisms
(pathogens) and cancerous cells that arise internally:
– Cytokines
– Neutrophils
– Eosinophils
– Basophils
– Monocytes
– Lymphocytes
– Antibodies
– Complement proteins
http://e-infopages.com/2012/protecting-your-immune-system/

Diseases and Conditions
• Blood
– Blood dyscrasia
– Hemorrhage
– Pancytopenia
– Septicemia
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/blooddisorders.html

• Erythrocytes
– Abnormal red blood cell morphology
– Anemia
 Aplastic anemia
 Folic acid deficiency anemia
 Iron deficiency anemia
 Pernicious anemia
 Sickle cell anemia
Eye of Science/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Figure 6-15 Sickle cells in a capillary

Figure 6-13 Microcytic, hypochromic erythrocytes
Joaquin Carillo Farga/Photo Researchers, Inc.

• Erythrocytes
– Anisocytosis
– Poikilocytosis
– Polycythemia vera
– Thalassemia
– Transfusion reaction

• Leukocytes
– Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
– Leukemia
– Mononucleosis
– Multiple myeloma
Human immunodeficiency virus
Chris Bjornberg/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Figure 6-17 Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Peres/Custom Medical Stock Photo, Inc.

• Thrombocytes
– Coagulopathy
– Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
– Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
– Hemophilia
– Thrombocytopenia

• Lymphatic System
– Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
– Lymphadenopathy
– Lymphedema
– Lymphoma
 Hodgkin’s lymphoma
 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
– Splenomegaly
– Thymoma
Lymphadenopathy
Custom Medical Stock Photo, Inc.

Figure 6-19 Lymphadenopathy
Custom Medical Stock Photo, Inc.

• Autoimmune Disorders
– Diabetes mellitus, type 1
– Graves’ disease
– Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
– Inflammatory bowel disease
– Multiple sclerosis

autoimmune
Diabetes Mellitus
Type I – IDDM Type II - NIDDM http://www.allnaturopathy.com/pages/Diabetes.html

• Autoimmune Disorders
– Myasthenia gravis
– Psoriasis
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Scleroderma
– Systemic lupus erythematosus
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/000542.htm
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Arthritis---Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Osteoarthritis-and-Spinal-Arthritis.aspx

Laboratory and Diagnostic Procedures
• Blood Cell Tests
– Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
– Blood type
– Peripheral blood smear
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/000514.htm

CBC – Complete Blood Count

• Coagulation Tests
– Activated clotting time (ACT)
– Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
– Prothrombin time (PT)

• Other Blood Tests
– Blood chemistries
– Ferritin

Figure 6-20 Blood chemistry analyzer
Alvis Upitis/Jupiter Images – PictureArts Corporation/Brand X Pictures – Royalty Free

– Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests
 ELISA―First screening test done for HIV
 Western blot―Used to confirm a positive ELISA and make a
diagnosis of HIV infection
 Viral RNA load test―Measures tiny amounts of HIV RNA and
monitors progression of the disease and response to antiretroviral
drugs

– Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests (con't)
 p24 antigen test―Detects the protein p24 in HIV
 CD4 count―Used to monitor the progression of the disease and
response to antiretroviral drugs
– Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

• Saliva Test
– OraSure
 Quick screening test that is done in the doctor’s office or clinic. It
uses the same technology as the ELISA blood test.

• Serum Tests
– Electrophoresis
– Monospot

• Urine Tests
– Bence Jones protein
– Schilling test

• Radiologic Procedures
– Color flow duplex ultrasonography
– Lymphangiography

Medical and Surgical Procedures
• Medical Procedures
– Bone marrow aspiration
– Phlebotomy
– Vaccination

Figure 6-21 Phlebotomy
Getty Images – Photodisc-Royalty Free

• Blood Donation and Transfusion Procedures
– Blood donation
– Blood transfusion

• Blood Donation and Transfusion Procedure
– Bone marrow transplantation (BMT)
– Plasmapheresis
– Stem cell transplantation

Figure 6-22 Stem cell
Dr. Yorgos Nikas/Photo Researchers, Inc.

• Surgical Procedures
– Lymph node biopsy
– Lymph node dissection
– Splenectomy
– Thymectomy

Drug Categories
• Drugs used to treat blood and lymphatic
diseases and conditions:
– Anticoagulant drugs
– Corticosteroid drugs
– Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs
– Erythropoietin
– Immunosuppressant drugs
– Platelet aggregation inhibitor drugs

Drug Categories
• Drugs used to treat blood and lymphatic
diseases and conditions:
– Protease inhibitor drugs
– Thrombolytic enzyme drugs
– Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) drugs
– Vitamin B12 drugs

Abbreviations

Medical Terminology for Blood and Lymphatic System

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