Functions and Components of Blood

Functions of Blood

• Transports gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), hormones, nutrients, and wastes.
• Regulates temperature, pH, and fluid balance.
• Protects against infection and minimizes blood loss through clotting.

Components of Blood

• Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells):
  • Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide using hemoglobin (requires iron).
  • Lack a nucleus and mitochondria.
  • Recycled in the spleen and liver.
  • Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity leads to anemia.
  • Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder with mutated hemoglobin causing misshapen erythrocytes.
• Thrombocytes (Platelets) and Fibrin:
  • Form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding.
  • Release serotonin, a vasoconstrictor.
  • Clotting pathways (extrinsic, initiated by damage to blood vessels/tissue).
  • Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder.
• Other Components:
  • Plasma carries nutrients, wastes, and other substances.

Blood Types and Transfusions

• ABO blood types are named for surface antigens.
• Rh factor (D antigen) is another important blood group system (+ or -).
• Agglutination (clumping of blood cells) occurs when antibodies react with antigens.
• Agglutinogens are antigens on red blood cells, and agglutinins are antibodies in the blood.

Blood Formation (Hematopoiesis)

• Formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) originate from stem cells.
• Stem cells differentiate into mature progenitors.

Anemia

• Defined as a decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, often due to iron deficiency, blood loss, pregnancy, or genetics.

Blood Clotting

• Clotting pathways are activated by vessel damage, involving various factors which result in the creation of a fibrin clot.
• The clot is ultimately dissolved by plasmin when no longer needed.

Temperature Regulation

• Blood plays a role in regulating body temperature through controlled blood flow.

pH Regulation

• Blood acts as a buffer to maintain a stable pH.

This quiz delves into the vital functions and components of blood, including the roles of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and plasma. Understand how blood works and the significance of different blood types in transfusions. Explore conditions like anemia and hemophilia that affect blood function.