blood

• What are platelets?

  Small fragments of cells that help in blood clotting
• What is the primary function of platelets?

  To patch up wounds and stop bleeding
• What is the process called when platelets help stop bleeding?

  Clotting
• What is plasma and its role in blood?

  • Makes up just over half of blood's volume
  • Pale yellow liquid that makes blood watery
  • Carries red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, nutrients, waste products, hormones, and proteins
• 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 adapt to their function?

  They lack a nucleus and have a biconcave disc shape
• Why is the biconcave shape of red blood cells important?

  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
• How much blood does an average adult have in their circulatory system?

  About 5 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 for those with low blood volume?

  1. Artificial blood (blood substitute)

  • Consists of salt water
  • Adds volume but does not transport oxygen

  1. Blood transfusion

  • Involves real blood from donors
  • Contains red blood cells for oxygen transport
• What is a major downside of using artificial blood?

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

  It provides real red blood cells for oxygen transport