Functions of Blood Overview

Basic Functions of Blood

• Respiration: Transport of oxygen (O2) from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide (CO2) from tissues to the lungs
• Alimentation: Transports absorbed nutrients from the digestive system to tissues
• Removal of Waste: Delivers metabolic waste products from body cells to organs like kidneys, lungs, skin, and intestines for excretion
• Buffering: Regulates acid-base balance in the body
• Osmotic Balance: Maintains the osmolality (concentration of solutes) and oncotic pressure (pressure exerted by plasma proteins) of plasma
• Body Temperature: Plays a role in regulating core body temperature through blood-heating and -cooling mechanisms
• Immunologic: Provides defense against infections through leukocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies
• Coagulation: Protects against traumatic bleeding by using clotting factors (thrombocytes or platelets)
• Transport: Carries hormones and other metabolites throughout the body

Composition of Whole Blood

• Plasma: Constitutes 55% of whole blood and serves as the liquid medium
• Buffy Coat: Contains leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets, which are responsible for defending the body against infection and clotting the blood, respectively.

Basic Functions of Blood

• Respiration: Transports oxygen (O2) from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide (CO2) from tissues to lungs.
• Alimentation: Transports absorbed nutrients from the digestive system to tissues.
• Removal of Waste: Carries metabolic waste products to kidneys, lungs, skin, and intestines for excretion.
• Buffering: Plays a crucial role in regulating the acid-base balance of the body's fluids.
• Osmotic Balance: Maintains osmotic pressure and the oncotic pressure of plasma proteins, helping regulate fluid balance within the body.
• Body Temperature: Helps regulate core body temperature by circulating heat to and from different parts of the body.
• Immunologic: Defends against infection through white blood cells (leukocytes) and antibodies.
• Coagulation: Essential for blood clotting, using coagulation factors to protect against traumatic bleeding.
• Transport: Carries hormones, metabolites, and other substances throughout the body.

Composition of Whole Blood

• Whole blood is composed of plasma, leukocytes, and platelets.
• Plasma makes up approximately 55% of whole blood and serves as the liquid medium.
• Buffy Coat: A thin layer between plasma and red blood cells, composed of leukocytes and platelets.

Basic Functions of Blood

• Transports oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs.
• Transports absorbed nutrients from the digestive system to tissues.
• Removes metabolic waste from tissues to organs responsible for excretion (kidney, lung, skin, intestines).
• Regulates the acid-base balance in the body.
• Maintains osmotic balance and oncotic pressure of the plasma with the help of plasma proteins.
• Regulates core body temperature by heating and cooling.
• Provides immune defense through leukocytes and antibodies.
• Facilitates coagulation with coagulation factors to prevent excessive bleeding.
• Transports hormones and other metabolites.

Composition of Whole Blood

• Blood is composed of plasma, leukocytes, and platelets.
• Plasma constitutes 55% of blood volume.
• Buffy coat is comprised of leukocytes and platelets.

This quiz covers the essential functions of blood, including respiration, nutrient transport, waste removal, and temperature regulation. Test your knowledge on how blood contributes to the body's overall health and functionality. Explore the roles of blood in immunity and coagulation as well.