blood

• What are the four main components of blood?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma
• What is the role of red blood cells (RBC)?

  • Carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues
  • Contain hemoglobin that binds oxygen
  • Convert oxyhemoglobin back to hemoglobin and oxygen in tissues
• What pigment do red blood cells contain that allows them to carry oxygen?

  Hemoglobin
• How do red blood cells facilitate oxygen transport?

  They contain hemoglobin that binds to oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin
• What happens to oxyhemoglobin in the tissues?

  It splits back into hemoglobin and oxygen
• What are the two adaptations of red blood cells?

  They lack a nucleus and have a biconcave disc shape
• Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

  To provide more space for hemoglobin and oxygen
• What is the significance of the biconcave shape of red blood cells?

  It provides a large surface area for absorbing oxygen
• What percentage of blood do white blood cells make up?

  Less than 1%
• What are the functions of white blood cells?

  • Defend against infection
  • Perform phagocytosis to engulf microorganisms
  • Produce antibodies to destroy pathogens
  • Produce anti-toxins to neutralize toxins
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes, they have a nucleus
• What are platelets and what is their role?

  Platelets are cell fragments that help in blood clotting
• What process do platelets facilitate when there is a cut?

  Clotting
• Why are platelets important for the body?

  They stop blood from pouring out and prevent infections
• What is plasma and what does it consist of?

  Plasma is a pale yellow liquid that makes up over half of blood's volume
• What does plasma carry in the blood?

  • Red blood cells
  • White blood cells
  • Platelets
  • Nutrients (glucose, amino acids)
  • Waste products (carbon dioxide, urea)
  • Hormones, proteins, antibodies, and toxins
• How much blood does an average adult have in their circulatory system?

  About five liters
• What happens if blood volume drops too much?

  There may not be enough blood to deliver oxygen to tissues
• What are the two types of blood replacement methods?

  1. Artificial blood (blood substitute)

  • Consists of salt water
  • Adds volume but no red blood cells

  1. Blood transfusion

  • Involves real blood from donors
  • Contains red blood cells for oxygen transport
• What is the main benefit of artificial blood?

  It adds volume to the circulatory system
• What is a limitation of artificial blood?

  It does not contain red blood cells for oxygen transport
• What is the key advantage of a blood transfusion?

  It provides real blood with red blood cells
• What is the main purpose of blood transfusions?

  To replace lost blood and provide oxygen