Blood Composition and Functions

What percentage of whole blood is primarily made up of plasma?

Which of the following elements are included in the formed elements of blood?

What is the term used to describe the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume?

What is the composition of the buffy coat in whole blood?

What is the main function of erythrocytes in the blood?

What is the primary role of platelets in blood?

Leukocytes are primarily responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood.

What percentage of whole blood is made up of formed elements?

The liquid portion of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume, is called __________.

Match each type of formed element with its function:

What percentage of whole blood is represented by the buffy coat?

Erythrocytes are also known as platelets.

What are the main components of blood?

Blood is the body’s only _____ tissue.

Match the formed elements of blood with their description:

Blood Composition

Blood is the body's only fluid tissue
Composed of liquid plasma and formed elements
Formed elements include:
- Erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBCs)
- Leukocytes (white blood cells, WBCs)
- Platelets
Hematocrit: percentage of RBCs in total blood volume

Components of Whole Blood

Plasma (55%): liquid portion of blood
Buffy coat (<1%): leukocytes and platelets
Formed elements (45%): erythrocytes

Blood Functions

Substance distribution
Regulation of blood levels of substances
Body protection

Erythrocytes (RBCs)

Biconcave discs, anucleate, no organelles
Filled with hemoglobin (Hb): gas transport protein
Contain plasma membrane protein spectrin and other proteins for flexibility and shape change
Have a large surface area relative to volume
- Facilitates gas transport

Structure of Hemoglobin

Complex protein with iron-containing heme groups
- Essential for oxygen transport

Leukocytes (WBCs)

Complete cells, less numerous than RBCs
Constitute 1% of total blood volume
Diapedesis: ability to leave capillaries and move through tissue spaces
Leukocytosis: WBC count over 11,000 per cubic millimeter (normal response to infection)

Granulocytes

Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
Contain cytoplasmic granules (stain with Wright's stain)
Larger and shorter-lived than RBCs
Lobe nuclei
Phagocytic cells: engulf and destroy foreign material

Summary of Formed Elements

Table details cell type, description, cells/mm³, development duration, and function for erythrocytes, leukocytes (granulocytes & agranulocytes), and platelets

Explore the essential elements of blood, including its composition, types of cells, and vital functions. This quiz covers aspects such as the structure of erythrocytes and leukocytes, as well as the role of hemoglobin in gas transport. Test your knowledge on how blood contributes to overall body regulation and protection.