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The Blood

Blood is a liquid tissue responsible for transportation, regulation, and protection within the body, consisting of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood types are determined by specific antigens, with the ABO and Rh factor systems being the most significant. Key functions include circulation through systemic and pulmonary pathways, hemostasis for clotting, and various blood disorders such as anemia and leukemia.

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12 views3 pages

The Blood

Blood is a liquid tissue responsible for transportation, regulation, and protection within the body, consisting of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood types are determined by specific antigens, with the ABO and Rh factor systems being the most significant. Key functions include circulation through systemic and pulmonary pathways, hemostasis for clotting, and various blood disorders such as anemia and leukemia.

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amena562crash
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Blood – Study Notes

1. Function of Blood:

Blood is a liquid tissue that circulates through the body, performing several essential functions:

 Transportation: Carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.


 Regulation: Helps regulate body temperature, pH levels, and fluid balance.
 Protection: Defends against infections and aids in wound healing through clotting.

2. Components of Blood:

Blood is composed of several parts, each with a specific function:

a. Plasma (55% of Blood Volume):

 Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, mostly made up of water (about 90%) and
dissolved substances.
 Contains proteins (e.g., albumin, fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and
waste products.
 Functions in transporting substances, maintaining blood pressure, and supporting immune
function.

b. Red Blood Cells (RBCs):

 Erythrocytes: The most abundant cell type in blood.


 Function: Carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carbon dioxide from the
tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.
 Contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that binds to oxygen.
 Shape: Biconcave discs that increase surface area for gas exchange and allow flexibility
to pass through small blood vessels.
 Lifespan: 120 days; old RBCs are removed by the spleen and liver.

c. White Blood Cells (WBCs):

 Leukocytes: Part of the immune system, they defend the body against infections and
foreign invaders.
 Types of WBCs:
1. Neutrophils: First responders to bacterial infections.
2. Lymphocytes: Include B cells (produce antibodies) and T cells (destroy infected
cells).
3. Monocytes: Become macrophages that consume pathogens and debris.
4. Eosinophils: Combat parasitic infections and allergic reactions.
5. Basophils: Release histamine during allergic reactions and inflammation.
 Lifespan varies from hours to years, depending on the type of white blood cell.
d. Platelets (Thrombocytes):

 Small, cell-like fragments involved in blood clotting.


 Function: When a blood vessel is injured, platelets aggregate to form a plug and release
substances that promote clotting to prevent excessive blood loss.
 Lifespan: 7–10 days.

3. Blood Types:

Blood types are determined by the presence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood
cells. The main blood group systems are:

 ABO Blood Group System:


o Type A: Has A antigens on RBCs and anti-B antibodies in plasma.
o Type B: Has B antigens on RBCs and anti-A antibodies in plasma.
o Type AB: Has both A and B antigens on RBCs and no anti-A or anti-B
antibodies. This is the universal recipient.
o Type O: Has no A or B antigens on RBCs and both anti-A and anti-B
antibodies. This is the universal donor.
 Rh Factor:
o A protein that may be present on RBCs. If it is present, the blood type is Rh-
positive (e.g., A+, B+). If it is absent, the blood type is Rh-negative (e.g., A-,
B-).

4. Blood Circulation:

Blood circulates through the body via two main pathways:

 Systemic Circulation:
Blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart to the body tissues through the aorta
and returns to the right atrium.
 Pulmonary Circulation:
Blood is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation via the
pulmonary arteries and returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins.

5. Hemostasis (Blood Clotting):

When a blood vessel is injured, hemostasis prevents excessive blood loss through three main
steps:
1. Vasoconstriction: The blood vessel constricts to reduce blood flow to the site of injury.
2. Platelet Plug Formation: Platelets adhere to the injury site and form a plug.
3. Coagulation: A series of chemical reactions that convert fibrinogen (a plasma protein)
into fibrin, which forms a mesh to solidify the clot and seal the wound.

6. Blood Disorders:

 Anemia: A condition where there is a low red blood cell count or insufficient
hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and paleness.
 Leukemia: A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that leads to abnormal
production of white blood cells.
 Hemophilia: A genetic disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to a lack of
certain clotting factors.
 Thrombocytopenia: A condition with a low platelet count, leading to difficulty in blood
clotting and increased risk of bleeding.
 Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder where red blood cells have an abnormal crescent
shape, affecting their ability to carry oxygen.

7. Blood Volume:

 Blood accounts for approximately 7-8% of a person's body weight.


 The average blood volume for an adult is around 5 liters.

Would you like a diagram showing the components of blood or how blood clotting works?

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