Blood Composition and Components Quiz

Blood Composition

• Blood is the only connective tissue with a liquid matrix called plasma.
• Blood transports vital substances to maintain homeostasis and distributes heat.
• Blood volume varies in relation to body size, fluid and electrolyte concentrations and adipose tissue.
• Blood accounts for about 8% of body weight; an adult female has 4 to 5 liters of blood, while an adult male has 5 to 6 liters of blood.
• Blood cells are known as "formed elements" and are mostly produced in red bone marrow.
• Formed elements include red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (cell fragments).

Centrifuged Blood Components

• A centrifuge tube is used to separate blood components.
• The top layer of the centrifuge tube holds plasma, a clear, straw-colored fluid that accounts for 55% of blood volume.
• The bottom layer of the centrifuge tube contains red blood cells (RBCs) which comprise 35 to 46% of the blood in females and 40 to 54% in males.
• The percentage of RBCs is called the hematocrit (HCT).
• The layer between the top and bottom layers contains white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets, which together account for 10,500 cells per microliter of blood.
• A high white blood cell count may be an indicator of acute infection, vigorous exercise, or significant loss of body fluids.
• A low white blood cell count is called leukopenia.

Test your knowledge on blood composition and its components. This quiz covers the characteristics of blood, including the liquid matrix plasma and the formed elements such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Dive into the study of how blood is separated and its importance in maintaining homeostasis.