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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of red blood cells?
What is the main function of red blood cells?
Which characteristic allows red blood cells to efficiently exchange gases?
Which characteristic allows red blood cells to efficiently exchange gases?
Where are white blood cells produced and mature?
Where are white blood cells produced and mature?
What is a unique feature of platelets?
What is a unique feature of platelets?
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What distinguishes monocytes from lymphocytes within the white blood cells?
What distinguishes monocytes from lymphocytes within the white blood cells?
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Study Notes
Blood Composition
- Blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets.
- Erythrocytes are biconcave in shape, maximizing surface area for oxygen exchange.
- They lack a nucleus, impacting their lifespan.
- Erythrocytes contain hemoglobin, transporting oxygen throughout the body.
- Erythrocytes are produced in red bone marrow and broken down in the liver.
- Leukocytes have large nuclei, play a role in fighting infection, and are produced in red bone marrow and mature in the spleen.
- Platelets are cell fragments, crucial for blood clotting.
- Leukocytes are classified into monocytes and lymphocytes, each with specific functions in fighting pathogens.
Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)
- Biconcave shape maximizes surface area for oxygen exchange.
- Contain hemoglobin, transporting oxygen.
- Produced in red bone marrow, lifespan is shortened due to no nucleus.
- Flexible for passage through capillaries.
White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)
- Large nuclei, crucial for infection fighting.
- Mature in the spleen, produced in red bone marrow.
- Two categories: monocytes and lymphocytes.
- Monocytes engulf pathogens.
- Lymphocytes are involved in specific immune responses.
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