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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of blood?
What percentage of blood volume do erythrocytes constitute?
What is the primary component of plasma?
What role does serum albumin play in the bloodstream?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?
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What primarily imparts the characteristic color to blood?
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Study Notes
Blood Overview
- Blood acts as a vital transport fluid for oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
- The heart pumps blood throughout the body, facilitating nutrient delivery and waste removal.
- Blood functions as both a fluid and tissue, essential for various bodily processes.
Main Functions of Blood
- Transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues and lungs.
- Forms blood clots to minimize excessive blood loss.
- Carries white blood cells and antibodies for immune defense.
- Delivers waste products to the kidneys and liver for filtration and cleansing.
- Regulates body temperature, helping maintain homeostasis.
Blood Components
- Blood is a red, denser, and more viscous fluid than water, attributed to hemoglobin.
- Erythrocytes (red blood cells) make up about 45% of blood volume.
- Leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets) constitute less than 1% of blood volume.
- Plasma, the liquid portion, accounts for approximately 55% of total blood volume and appears as a yellowish, sticky solution.
Plasma
- Plasma is a golden-yellow fluid consisting of about 91-92% water with a normal pH of 7.40.
- Composed of lipids, electrolytes, enzymes, sugars (glucose), hormones, vitamins, coagulants, and plasma proteins.
Plasma Proteins
- Serum albumin is the primary plasma protein, crucial for maintaining osmotic pressure and water retention in the bloodstream.
- Serves to regulate blood volume and pressure.
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Description
Learn about the main functions and composition of blood, including oxygen transportation, blood clotting, and waste removal.
