crossword 117 ACROSS 1. Test to determine suitability of mixing donor and recipient blood 4. Containing blood vessels 5. The upper, receiving chambers on each side of the heart 7. Lymph system structure that can remove impurities 8. Prothrombin time (abbrev.) 9. Abnormal reduction in the number of RBCs in the circulating blood DOWN 1. Second-choice AC vein for venipuncture 2. Pale-yellow fluid that can be separated from a clotted blood specimen 3. To clot, or change from liquid to solid 4. Blood vessel that returns blood to the heart 6. Pertaining to the large artery arising from the left ventricle 8. Fluid portion of the circulating blood 10. Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart 16. Insufficient blood supply to an area due to obstruction of the blood vessels carrying blood to the area 17. Coat is composed of WBCs and platelets 20. Colloquial name for the heart 23. Contracting phase of the cardiac cycle 24. Immediately propels it into arteries toward the heart

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Crossword Clue Solutions:
ACROSS
- Crossmatch
- Vascular
- Atria
- Node
- PT
- Anemia
DOWN
- Cephalic
- Serum
- Coagulate
- Vein
- Aortic
- Plasma
- Arteries
- Ischemia
- Buffycoat
- Pump
- Systole
- Contraction
Explanation
This crossword explores key concepts within the circulatory and lymphatic systems. For instance, clue 1 across, Crossmatch, refers to a compatibility test between a donor and a recipient’s blood, critical for preventing transfusion reactions. Clue 4 across, Vascular, describes tissues or organs rich in blood vessels, underscoring their role in nutrient and gas exchange.
The atria (5 across) are the heart’s upper chambers, responsible for receiving blood. Clue 7 across highlights a node, such as a lymph node, which filters impurities from lymphatic fluid. Clue 9 across addresses anemia, a condition marked by a lower-than-normal count of red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen transport.
Looking at the Down clues, serum (2 down) and plasma (8 down) are both components of blood. While plasma is the fluid portion that contains clotting factors, serum is plasma devoid of these clotting proteins, obtained after coagulation. Clue 3 down, coagulate, describes the blood’s ability to change from liquid to solid to prevent excessive bleeding.
Blood vessels are categorized based on their direction of flow. Veins (4 down) carry blood to the heart, while arteries (10 down) transport blood away. The aorta (6 down) is the body’s largest artery, originating from the left ventricle.
Ischemia (16 down) refers to restricted blood flow, which can damage tissues. Systole (23 down) is the phase when the heart contracts to pump blood, and contraction (24 down) describes the physical motion during this phase.
Altogether, the crossword reinforces cardiovascular anatomy and physiology concepts by prompting you to identify terminology foundational to medical diagnostics and interventions.
