Red Blood Cells and Their Functions

Blood is classified into a liquid part, plasma, and a solid part consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

Blood maintains body temperature by distributing heat generated by metabolism and facilitating heat loss through the skin.

<p>Platelets play a crucial role in the formation of blood clots, which prevent excessive bleeding and promote wound healing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>White blood cells help the body fight pathogens and infections, acting as the primary defense mechanism against diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their biconcave disc shape increases surface area for oxygen absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hemoglobin binds with oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin (bright red) and with carbon dioxide to form carbaminohemoglobin (dull red).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They lack a nucleus to maximize space for hemoglobin, enhancing their oxygen-carrying capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Capillaries are narrow vessels that allow red blood cells to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide efficiently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Carbon dioxide produced in tissues binds to hemoglobin, forming carbaminohemoglobin which is transported to the lungs for exhalation.</p> Signup and view all the answers