GLOSSARY

Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of RBCs and/or hemoglobin within the RBCs, or reduced volume of blood. Anemic RBCs cannot function adequately to supply oxygen to the body's tissues.

Blood: The fluid connective tissue pumped from the heart through all the arteries, capillaries and veins. It consists of a clear yellow liquid called plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. The major function of the blood is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body and to remove carbon dioxide and other wastes from the cells. Blood is also important in fighting infection and promoting clotting at wound sites.

Erythrocyte (red blood cell, RBC): The major cellular element of the circulating blood, reddish in color and biconcave (indented on both sides) in shape, approximately seven micrometers in diameter, and responsible for oxygen delivery to the body's cells.