Pneumococcal infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a gram-positive, catalase-negative organism commonly referred to as pneumococcus.
Blood pressure is a measure of the changing fluid pressure within the circulatory system. It varies. from a peak pressure produced by contraction of the left ventricle, to a low pressure, which is. maintained by closure of the aortic valve and elastic recoil of the arterial system. The peak.
plasma protein. albumin, fibrinogen, prothrombin, and the gamma globulins, which constitute 6% to 7% of the blood plasma. Proteins maintain osmotic pressure, increase blood viscosity, and help maintain blood pressure. All the plasma proteins except the gamma globulins are synthesized in the liver. See also antibody, serum.