Cardiovascular System Functions & Blood PDF

1: Functions of the Cardiovascular System Transport: Delivers oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues and removes waste products like carbon dioxide. Regulation: Helps maintain body temperature, pH balance, and fluid balance. Protection: Houses immune cells that fight infect...

1: Functions of the Cardiovascular System Transport: Delivers oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues and removes waste products like carbon dioxide. Regulation: Helps maintain body temperature, pH balance, and fluid balance. Protection: Houses immune cells that fight infections and clotting factors to prevent blood loss. 2: General Characteristics and Major Functions of Blood Characteristics: ○ Viscous fluid, denser than water. ○ pH ~7.35–7.45 (slightly alkaline). ○ About 8% of body weight. ○ Composed of plasma (55%) and formed elements (45%). Functions: ○ Transport: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, waste, hormones. ○ Regulation: Body temperature, pH, and fluid volume. ○ Protection: Clotting mechanisms and immune defense. 3: Formed Elements vs. Liquid Portion of Blood Formed Elements (45% of blood): ○ Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. ○ White Blood Cells (WBCs): Defend against infection. ○ Platelets: Aid in clotting. Liquid Portion (Plasma) (55% of blood): ○ Mostly water (~90%), contains proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste. 4: Significance of Red Blood Cell Counts Normal RBC Count: ○ Males: 4.7–6.1 million/µL. ○ Females: 4.2–5.4 million/µL. Importance: ○ Indicates oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. ○ Low RBC count: Anemia (fatigue, weakness). ○ High RBC count: Polycythemia (thickened blood, increased clot risk). 5: Control of Red Blood Cell Production (Erythropoiesis) Process: ○ Occurs in red bone marrow. ○ Stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO) from kidneys in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia). ○ Requires iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Feedback: ○ Low oxygen → EPO release → RBC production ↑ → oxygen levels restored → EPO ↓. 6: Five Types of White Blood Cells and Their Functions 1. Neutrophils (60–70% of WBCs): ○ Phagocytize bacteria and fungi. 2. Lymphocytes (20–25%): ○ B-cells: Produce antibodies. ○ T-cells: Attack infected or cancerous cells. 3. Monocytes (3–8%): ○ Transform into macrophages and engulf pathogens. 4. Eosinophils (2–4%): ○ Fight parasitic infections; involved in allergic responses. 5. Basophils (