Blood Disorders Dictionary

pernicious anemia: A type of anemia that is caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12.

phlebotomy: To puncture a vein with a needle in order to remove blood.

plasma cell: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

plasmin: An enzyme that prevents fibrin clot formation.

platelet: A small blood cell that is needed for proper blood clotting.

prognosis: The probable outcome of a disease.

prophylactic: Anything used to prevent disease.

pulmonary: Relating to the lungs.

Raynaud's phenomenon: A circulatory condition associated with spasms of the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. Causes changes in skin color.

relapse: The reappearance of a disease after a period of improvement.

remission: A lessening or abatement of the symptoms of a disease.

renal: Relating to the kidneys.

sickle cell anemia: A recessive genetic disorder in which red blood cells take on an unusual shape, leading to other problems with the blood.

siderosis: Fibrosis of the lungs caused by exposure to iron dust.

stem cell: An unspecialized cell from which specialized cells can develop. Fetuses have high concentrations of stem cells.

steroids: Any of a number of natural or synthetic substances that regulate body function.