Blood: Connective Tissue Overview

Blood: Connective Tissue

• Blood is a specialized type of connective tissue (CT) that consists of cells suspended within an extracellular fluid matrix called blood plasma.
• Key functions:
  • Transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hormones.
  • Removing metabolic waste products.
  • Maintaining acid-base balance.
  • Defending against infections.

Blood Composition:

• Blood consists of 55% plasma and 45% cells:
  • Plasma: Contains water (90%), soluble substances (10%) such as plasma proteins (albumin & globulin), inorganic salts, and organic substances like amino acids, vitamins, hormones, and lipoproteins.
  • Cells:
    • White blood cells (WBCs or leukocytes) (1%): True cells with a nucleus.
    • Red blood corpuscles (RBCs or erythrocytes) (44%): Not true cells, lack a nucleus.
    • Platelets or thrombocytes (less than 1%): Not true cells.

B-Large (Active) Lymphocytes

• Size: 10-15 μm in diameter.
• Shape: Rounded.
• Nucleus: Large, less dense chromatin.
• Cytoplasm: Non-granular, abundant and blue.