Blood Functions and Components

Study Notes

Blood Functions

Blood serves as a transport medium, moving throughout the body.
Delivers oxygen to cells.
Removes waste products from cells.
Delivers nutrients, hormones, enzymes, and other substances throughout the body.
Protects the body against infection.
Stabilizes the body's acid-base balance.
Regulates body temperature.

Components of Blood

Plasma is the liquid connective tissue, making up 55% of blood.
Water is the main component of plasma.
Albumin is the main protein found in plasma.
Plasma plays a role in blood clotting, immune system function, and regulating fluid volume.
Serum is plasma without clotting proteins.

Formed Elements

Formed elements, which include blood cells and cell fragments, comprise 45% of blood.
These cells include red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
The buffy coat is a narrow, buff-colored band beneath the plasma, made up of WBCs and platelets.
RBCs are the heaviest formed element and make up most of the formed elements.
Hematocrit is the percentage of cells in a blood sample.

Blood Viscosity

Viscosity refers to the thickness or stickiness of a fluid.
Decreased RBCs lead to thinner, less viscous blood, causing rapid flow.
Increased RBCs increase viscosity, resulting in sluggish blood flow.

Blood Cell Formation

Hemopoiesis is the production of blood.

Hematopoietic Tissue

Red bone marrow produces blood cells and is found in the ends of long bones and flat, irregular bones.
Lymphatic tissue produces lymphocytes, a specific type of WBC, and is found in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus glands.

Description

Explore the essential functions and components of blood in this quiz. Understand how blood transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste, while also providing protection against infection. Test your knowledge on the different elements that make up blood and their roles in the body.