Summary sheet - Blood .pdf

R. Gallagher www.theconicalflask.ie Blood Introduction Blood is a tissue as it consists of many cells working together. Its function is to transport oxygen, waste products and hormones. It also transports heat from internal organs (liver) to plasma. Blood has 4 parts: 1. Plasma 2. Red blood cells (R...

R. Gallagher www.theconicalflask.ie Blood Introduction Blood is a tissue as it consists of many cells working together. Its function is to transport oxygen, waste products and hormones. It also transports heat from internal organs (liver) to plasma. Blood has 4 parts: 1. Plasma 2. Red blood cells (RBCs) 3. White blood cells (WBCs) 4. Platelets Plasma Plasma is yellow Functions: 1. Transport RBCs, WBCs, platelets and hormones around the body. 2. Transport heat around the body. 3. Plasma is an excellent solvent - mostly water. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) Produced in red bone marrow. Don’t contain nucleus. Function: Transport oxygen around the body. Adaptations to transport oxygen: 1. Biconcave shape to allow max surface area. 2. Contains iron pigment haemoglobin which helps carry oxygen around the body. 3. Flexible - doesn’t damage easily. 84 R. Gallagher www.theconicalflask.ie White Blood Cells (WBCs) Produced in bone marrow. No definite shape. Function:To fight infection. Two types of WBCs: Lymphocytes Moncytes (Macrophages) Act primarily in the lymphatic system Found all over body Produce antibodies Engulf and destroy pathogens Platelets Produced in the bone marrow Function: To clot the blood. Blood clots reduce blood loss and prevent entry of micro-organisms. Haemophiliacs can’t form blood clots. Blood groups 4 blood groups: A, B, AB and O Blood transfusions must match otherwise it could seriously harm the person receiving. The Rhesus factor 85% of Irish people have a rhesus factor on their RBCs. Rh+ if you have it and Rh- if you do not. It’s important the Rhesus factor also matches for a successful blood transfusion. You can be A- or A+ etc 85