CHAPTER 4

• Antecubital Fossa


  The portion of the arm that is in front of the bend of the elbow. The most prominent veins for venipuncture are located in this area.
• Anticoagulant


  Chemical substance that prevents blood from clotting.
• Basilic Vein


  The vein on the little-finger side of the arm that runs the length of the arm.
• Buffy Coat


  Layer of cells in an anticoagulant tube of blood that is positioned between the red blood cells and the plasma layers. The buffy coat consists of white blood cells and platelets.
• Centrifuge


  Instrument that spins and separates blood into layers depending on the weight of each layer. The heavier elements are pushed to the bottom due to centrifugal force.
• Cephalic Vein


  The vein on the thumb side of the arm that runs the length of the arm.
• Diastolic


  Blood pressure when the heart is at rest.
• Endocarditis


  Infection of the inner membrane of the heart.
• Erythrocytes


  Formed blood element; also known as red blood cells.
• Hemopoiesis (Hematopoiesis)


  Formation of blood cells.
• Leukocytes


  Formed blood element; also known as white blood cells.
• Median Cubital Vein


  The vein in the antecubital fossa area of the arm that bridges the cephalic and basilic veins.
• Occluded


  Blocked; the normal flow of blood is prevented.
• Plasma


  Fluid portion of the blood when no clotting has taken place.
• Pulmonary System


  System circulating blood through the lungs.
• Serum


  Fluid portion of the blood after clotting has taken place.
• Systemic System


  System circulating blood throughout the body with the exception of the lungs.
• Systolic


  Blood pressure when the heart is fully contracted.
• Thrombocytes


  Formed blood element; also known as platelets.