Blood

• What is the primary function of red blood cells?

  To carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body
• Why is the shape of red blood cells important for their function?

  It provides a large surface area for absorbing oxygen
• What is the shape of red blood cells?

  Biconcave disc
• Why do red blood cells not have a nucleus?

  To allow more room to carry oxygen
• What pigment do red blood cells contain?

  Haemoglobin
• What happens to haemoglobin in the lungs?

  It binds to oxygen to become oxyhaemoglobin
• What occurs to oxyhaemoglobin in body tissues?

  It splits into haemoglobin and oxygen to release oxygen to the cells
• What is the role of white blood cells?

  To defend against infection
• What is phagocytosis?

  A process where some white blood cells change shape to engulf microorganisms
• What do some white blood cells produce to fight microorganisms?

  Antibodies
• What is the function of antibodies produced by white blood cells?

  To neutralise toxins produced by microorganisms
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes, they do
• What are platelets?

  Small fragments of cells that help blood clot
• Why do platelets not have a nucleus?


  It allows them to function effectively in clotting
• What is the role of platelets in the body?

  To help the blood to clot at a wound
• What can a lack of platelets lead to?

  Excessive bleeding and bruising
• What is plasma?

  A pale straw-coloured liquid that carries everything in blood
• What does plasma carry?

  Red and white blood cells, platelets, nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide, urea, antibodies, and proteins
• Why can blood clots be used for diagnosis?

  Because blood transports many chemicals produced by various organs
• What do stents do?

  They keep arteries open
• Why do the muscles of the heart need a constant supply of blood?

  To function properly
• What is cholesterol?

  A fat-like substance that forms much of a cell membrane
• What can too much cholesterol in the blood lead to?

  Blockages in the arteries
• What are statins?

  Drugs that reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood
• What is one advantage of statins?

  They reduce the likelihood of blockages forming in the arteries
• What harmful type of cholesterol do statins help prevent the build-up of?

  LDL or "bad" cholesterol
• What do some studies suggest about statins?

  They reduce the risk of problems caused by blood clots in arteries
• What are the differences between stents and statins in managing cholesterol and blood clots?

  • Stents keep arteries open
  • Statins reduce cholesterol levels
  • Stents are physical devices, while statins are medications
  • Both aim to prevent complications from high cholesterol and blood clots