The Human Circulatory System

Plasma and Components

• Albumin is the main protein found in plasma, playing a crucial role in maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting substances.
• Plasma constitutes 55% of total blood volume, serving as a medium for various components and functions.

Transportation and Cellular Functions

• Blood acts as the primary medium for transporting excretory products, facilitating the removal of waste from body tissues.
• Red blood cells (erythrocytes) primarily function to transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and return carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.

Blood Composition

• Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in vertebrate blood, responsible for oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide transport.
• The International Society of Blood Transfusion recognizes 43 human blood group systems as of December 2022, reflecting genetic diversity in blood types.

Blood Typing and Genetics

• The two most critical blood group systems for determining an individual’s blood type are the ABO system and the Rh system.
• Blood types represent a complex inheritance pattern influenced by multiple alleles, showcasing Mendelian genetics.
• The antigens present on the surface of red blood cells depend on specific genes inherited from both parents.
• A blood group system can derive from a single allele, allowing various related antigens to form under that system.

Test your knowledge of the human circulatory system with this quiz on blood composition and its functions. Explore the components of blood cells and their role in delivering nutrients and oxygen to the body's cells, as well as transporting metabolic waste products.