Biology Session 14: Composition of Blood

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of blood?

To deliver oxygen and remove waste products (correct)

To produce enzymes

To produce hormones

To regulate body temperature

What is the fluid matrix of blood composed of?

Water and ions (correct)

Hormones and enzymes

Plasma and platelets

Proteins and carbohydrates

Which of the following is a function of blood cells?

To store energy

To regulate body pH

To deliver oxygen and nutrients (correct)

To produce antibodies

What is the role of blood in protecting the body against infection?

It plays multiple roles in protecting the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of blood that helps regulate body temperature?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

To deliver oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the life cycle of red blood cells?

Produced in the bone marrow and destroyed in the spleen Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of blood in delivering nutrients to cells?

It delivers nutrients to cells through the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of blood is comprised of plasma?

55% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of plasma?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plasma in the body?

Blood clotting and immune system Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood cells are the heaviest?

Red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of producing blood cells called?

Hematopoiesis Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue produces blood cells?

Hemopoietic tissue Signup and view all the answers

How many types of hemopoietic tissue are there in the body?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of blood is comprised of cells and cell fragments?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hemopoietic tissue?

To produce all types of blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood cell is produced in lymphatic tissue?

Lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of red blood cells?

To transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Where is hemopoietic tissue found?

In the ends of long bones and flat bones such as the sternum Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the gland that helps supplement blood cell production?

Thymus gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the substance that allows RBCs to transport oxygen?

Hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the type of blood cell that carries oxygen?

Erythrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spleen in blood cell production?

To filter out old or damaged red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

To provide oxygen to the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of hemoglobin?

Four ribbon-like protein chains Signup and view all the answers

What is heme and what is its function?

Heme is an iron-containing molecule that binds to oxygen Signup and view all the answers

How many molecules of oxygen can one hemoglobin molecule bind to?

Four molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?

120 days Signup and view all the answers

How many red blood cells are destroyed every second?

2.5 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called that produces new erythrocytes?

Erythropoiesis Signup and view all the answers

How long does the process of erythropoiesis take?

3-5 days Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Composition of Blood

Blood is a type of connective tissue that consists of several types of cells suspended in a fluid matrix
The two main components of blood are:
- Plasma (55% of blood)
- Cells and cell fragments (45% of blood)
  - Erythrocytes (red blood cells, or RBCs)
  - Leukocytes (white blood cells, or WBCs)
  - Platelets

Functions of Blood

Delivers oxygen and removes waste products from the body's cells
Delivers nutrients, hormones, enzymes, and other critical substances throughout the body
Plays multiple roles in protecting the body against infection
Helps stabilize the body's acid-base balance and regulate body temperature

Blood Cell Formation

The body continually replaces old, damaged, or used-up blood cells through a process called hematopoiesis
Hematopoietic tissues, such as red bone marrow and lymphatic tissue, produce blood cells
Red bone marrow produces all types of blood cells, while lymphatic tissue produces lymphocytes, a specific type of WBC

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body
Remove carbon dioxide from the body
Contain hemoglobin, a red pigment that gives blood its color and allows it to carry oxygen

Hemoglobin

A protein found in RBCs that binds to oxygen, allowing them to transport it
Consists of four globin protein chains and four heme molecules, each containing iron
Each heme molecule can bind to one oxygen molecule, allowing hemoglobin to carry four oxygen molecules per molecule

Life Cycle of Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells circulate for about 120 days before they die and are consumed by phagocytic cells in the spleen and liver
The process of producing new erythrocytes, called erythropoiesis, takes three to five days and is maintained through a negative feedback loop

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Description

This quiz covers the components of blood, formation of blood cells, and the structure and function of red blood cells.