Blood: Composition and Importance

Blood serves as a transport medium for cells, ions, and molecules throughout the body.

Matching blood types is essential to prevent adverse transfusion reactions that can be fatal.

The formed elements in blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

<p>The composition of blood changes as it continuously picks up and drops off cells, ions, and molecules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Universal precautions, such as wearing gloves and safety goggles, should be adhered to when handling blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood tests provide critical information for diagnosing health conditions and assessing overall health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood is a warm, alkaline, viscous fluid that circulates in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The term 'fluid conveyor belt' describes how blood continuously transports substances to and from cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary functions of blood are transportation, regulation, and protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood helps regulate body temperature by distributing heat generated in the body's core to the skin surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood regulates fluid levels by maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting water and dissolved substances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Leukocytes, or white blood cells, protect the body by identifying and fighting off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Platelets aid in the protection function by initiating blood clotting to prevent excessive blood loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plasma proteins contribute to osmotic balance, transport substances, and play roles in clotting and immune responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood contributes to homeostasis by regulating pH levels and distributing heat throughout the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, function to transport respiratory gases within the blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Leukocytes, or white blood cells, help defend the body against pathogens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Platelets are involved in clotting the blood to prevent excessive blood loss from injuries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Buffers in the blood, like proteins and bicarbonate, help maintain blood pH by binding and releasing hydrogen ions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood maintains fluid balance by exchanging water and solutes between plasma and interstitial fluid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Formed elements include erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets, and they are important for transporting gases, fighting infection, and clotting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plasma is the fluid portion of blood, consisting of plasma proteins and dissolved solutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Carbon dioxide and cellular wastes enter the blood through the capillaries where exchange occurs between blood and tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A buffer helps prevent pH changes by binding or releasing excess H+ to maintain normal H+ concentration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In females, hematocrit ranges from 38% to 46%, while males typically have higher levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Testosterone stimulates the kidney to produce erythropoietin (EPO), which increases red blood cell production and thereby raises hematocrit levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plasma is composed of 92% water and 7% proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main types of proteins in plasma are albumins (58%), globulins (37%), and fibrinogen (4%).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Other solutes in plasma make up 1% and include electrolytes, nutrients, respiratory gases, and waste products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When a buffer system is not functioning properly, pH levels can fluctuate dramatically, leading to potential physiological disruptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maintaining normal H+ concentration is crucial because it ensures proper enzyme activity and metabolic processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The typical plasma concentration is 0.09%, and it determines whether fluids move into or out of the plasma by osmosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood is typically measured to be about 1°C higher than body temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The plasma becomes hypertonic, causing fluid to move into the plasma from the surrounding tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The normal pH range of blood plasma is 7.35 to 7.45.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plasma concentration is used to ensure that IV solutions are usually isotonic to plasma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maintaining the appropriate blood temperature is essential for proper metabolic processes and thermoregulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, which is critical for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three components are plasma, buffy coat (white blood cells and platelets), and red blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers