Functions of Blood

Function of Blood

• Blood is a vital fluid connective tissue circulating throughout the body, transporting essential substances and removing waste products.
• Transportation of Oxygen and Nutrients: Blood carries oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to lungs. It transports nutrients from digestion to cells for energy, growth, and repair.
• Waste Removal: Blood takes metabolic waste (urea, lactic acid) to kidneys, liver, and lungs for excretion.
• Regulation of Body Temperature: Blood distributes heat throughout the body and releases it through the skin.
• Hormone Transport: Blood carries hormones from endocrine glands to target cells. This regulates metabolism, growth, reproduction, and other bodily functions.
• Immune Function: Blood contains white blood cells and antibodies to defend against infections and foreign substances. These immune components identify and neutralize pathogens.
• Blood Clotting: Blood has clotting factors that stop bleeding by forming a clot.
• Maintaining Fluid Balance: Blood regulates water and electrolyte levels in the body.
• Acid-Base Balance: Blood maintains a balanced pH. Buffers in blood neutralize acids and bases.
• Blood Pressure Regulation: Blood pressure depends on blood volume and viscosity. These are significantly influenced by the amount and concentration of dissolved substances in the blood.
• Distribution of Heat: Blood distributes the body's heat from internal sources to the body surface to regulate temperature.
• Protection Against Harmful Substances: Blood contains components, like certain proteins, neutralizing harmful substances and thus protecting tissues.

Components and Their Roles

• Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Primary function is oxygen transport. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio and hemoglobin allow maximum oxygen transport.
• White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Crucial in the immune response. Different types have specific functions like phagocytosis (engulfing pathogens) or antibody production.
• Platelets (Thrombocytes): Essential for blood clotting, initiating the clotting cascade.
• Plasma: The liquid part of blood containing water, electrolytes, proteins (albumin, globulins, clotting factors), and nutrients. It transports these components throughout the body.