Blood Composition and Function

The process of red blood cell formation.

The first cell in erythropoiesis, derived from CFU-E, large with a prominent nucleus.

The stage of erythropoiesis where hemoglobin synthesis begins.

The stage of erythropoiesis where hemoglobin starts to appear.

A cell that is released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, still contains some RNA and ribosomes, matures into a red blood cell.

Blood is a specialized connective tissue that circulates throughout the body, carrying essential substances and playing a vital role in maintaining homeostasis.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

White blood cells (leukocytes) play a crucial role in the immune system, defending the body against infections and diseases.

Platelets are cell fragments that contribute to blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding after an injury.

Plasma is the liquid component of blood, constituting about 55% of its volume. It contains various substances essential for blood's functions, such as water, proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients.

The hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.

Arterial blood is bright red because it is oxygenated and travels from the heart to the body tissues.

Venous blood is darker red or purple because it carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the body tissues.

The process of transporting digested nutrients (glucose, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins) from the gut to the rest of the body via blood.

Blood carries oxygen from the lungs (where it's picked up) to body tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.

Blood removes waste products created during metabolic activities in cells (like urea, creatinine) and transports them to organs like the kidneys, skin, and liver for expulsion from the body.

Blood carries hormones produced by endocrine glands to their target organs or tissues where they exert their effects.

Blood participates in maintaining the overall balance of fluids in your body through interactions with interstitial fluids (fluids surrounding cells).

Blood plays a critical role in controlling the acid-base balance of the body by using plasma proteins and hemoglobin as buffers.

Blood's high specific heat capacity helps maintain a stable body temperature. It absorbs and distributes heat effectively to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.

Blood acts as a reserve for various substances like water, glucose, and electrolytes, which can be released to meet the body's needs during times of stress, starvation, fluid loss, etc.

Blood protects the body from infections and diseases through its white blood cells.

The liquid component of blood, containing dissolved substances like proteins, nutrients, waste products, and hormones.

Plasma proteins are mainly categorized into three groups: albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen.

Serum is the clear fluid component of blood after clotting. It's essentially plasma without fibrinogen.

Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.

White blood cells play a crucial role in the body's immune defense.

Platelets are small cell fragments that are involved in blood clotting.

The average lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC) is around 120 days, after which they are destroyed in the spleen and liver.

Red blood cells lack nuclei and organelles, meaning they cannot reproduce or maintain their structure for long.

The protein contained within red blood cells that binds to and transports oxygen throughout the body.

The breakdown product of hemoglobin, primarily produced by the liver, and gives plasma its yellowish color.

A condition where there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, which triggers erythropoietin production.

The small, fragile nature of older red blood cells makes them prone to destruction as they squeeze through narrow capillaries.

The red pulp of the spleen, where older red blood cells are destroyed and fragmented.

Macrophages, specialized immune cells, engulf and break down hemoglobin from destroyed red blood cells.

Iron released from hemoglobin during RBC degradation is stored as ferritin for later use in the body.

The main function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

Hemoglobin binds to carbon dioxide in the tissues and carries it back to the lungs for exhalation.

Hemoglobin acts as a buffer in the blood, helping to maintain the proper acid-base balance.

Red blood cells carry antigens on their surface, determining a person's blood type.