Blood

• What is one of the functions of the circulatory system in humans?

  To transport substances
• What are the main components of blood and their functions?

  • Plasma: Transports carbon dioxide, digested food, urea, hormones; distributes heat
  • Red blood cells: Transport oxygen
  • White blood cells: Ingest pathogens and produce antibodies
  • Platelets: Involved in blood clotting
• What is the composition of blood primarily made up of?

  Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• What is the role of red blood cells in the body?

  To transport oxygen
• What is aerobic respiration?

  Respiration that requires oxygen
• What gas do red blood cells absorb in the lungs?

  Oxygen
• What is the function of haemoglobin in red blood cells?

  To transport oxygen around the body
• How does haemoglobin interact with oxygen in the lungs and cells?

  It combines with oxygen in the lungs and releases it at the cells
• What is the shape of red blood cells?

  Biconcave
• Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?

  To pack in more haemoglobin
• What is the significance of the thinness of red blood cells?

  It allows for a short distance for oxygen to diffuse
• What is the primary role of white blood cells?

  To ingest pathogens and produce antibodies
• What are platelets involved in?

  Blood clotting
• What is the role of blood in the body?

  To transport materials and distribute heat
• What is the liquid part of blood called?

  Plasma
• What does plasma contain?

  Glucose, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, hormones, and waste materials
• How do the adaptations of red blood cells facilitate their function?

  They have a biconcave shape, no nucleus, and are small and flexible
• What is the importance of the surface area of red blood cells?

  To maximize oxygen absorption
• What is the primary component of blood that helps in transporting oxygen?

  Haemoglobin
• What happens to haemoglobin when it combines with oxygen?

  It forms oxyhaemoglobin
• How does the structure of capillaries facilitate their function?

  They have walls that are one-cell thick for material exchange