BLOOD BASICS Take Notes on Page 5

What is Blood? • Blood provides a mechanism for rapid transport of nutrients, waste products, respiratory gases and cells •  It is powered by the pumping action of the heart!

What is Blood?

• The average human has 5L of blood in their body (7-8% of body weight)! • About ONE BILLION red blood cells in just 2-3 drops of blood! • pH level = 7.35-7.45

What is the Function of Blood? •  Blood has three main functions:

TRANSPORTATION Blood transports dissolved gases, nutrients, hormones, wastes, and other cells.

PROTECTION Blood restricts fluid loss in damaged vessels. Platelets in blood provide clotting.

REGULATION Blood regulates the pH and electrolyte composition of the fluid around the body, as well as body temperature!

What is the Composition of Blood?

1.  Red Blood Cells 2.  White Blood Cells 3.  Platelets 4.  Plasma

What is the Composition of Blood?

What is the Composition of Blood?

1.  Red Blood Cells AKA Erthryocytes •  Most abundant cell in blood •  Produced in the bone marrow (lose

nucleus before leaving!)

•  Contain a protein called hemoglobin that carry oxygen

•  Biconcave shape increases surface area of cell by 30%

What is the Composition of Blood?

2.  White Blood Cells AKA Leukocytes •  Used to fight off infection •  We will discuss in Immune System

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What is the Composition of Blood?

3.  Platelets AKA Thrombocytes •  Have coagulation

factors that cause clotting when vessel is broken

What is the Composition of Blood?

4.  Plasma AKA yellow stuff but not pus •  Contains water, electrolytes,

nutrients, vitamins, hormones! •  No cells