What Blood Does And What Its Made Of

• What are the four main components of blood?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma
• What is the primary role of red blood cells?

  To carry oxygen from lungs to tissues
• What pigment do red blood cells contain?

  Hemoglobin
• What happens to oxyhemoglobin in the tissues?

  It splits back into hemoglobin and oxygen
• Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

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

  Biconcave disc
• Why is the biconcave shape of red blood cells important?

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

  Less than 1%
• What is the primary function of white blood cells?

  To defend against infection
• Do white blood cells have a nucleus?

  Yes
• What is phagocytosis?

  Engulfing or consuming microorganisms
• How do white blood cells produce antibodies?

  By combining onto pathogens to help destroy them
• What do anti-toxins do?

  Neutralize toxins produced by pathogens
• What are platelets?

  Small fragments of cells
• What is the primary function of platelets?

  To aid in blood clotting
• What happens when a cut occurs?

  Platelets rush to the wound to clot
• Why are platelets important besides clotting?

  They help prevent microorganisms from entering
• What is plasma?

  A pale yellow liquid in blood
• What does plasma carry?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, nutrients
• How much blood does an average adult have?

  About five liters
• What happens if blood volume drops significantly?

  Insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues
• What is artificial blood?

  A blood substitute consisting of salt water
• What is the main benefit of artificial blood?

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

  It doesn't contain red blood cells
• What is a blood transfusion?

  Receiving real blood from donors
• Why is a blood transfusion important?

  It provides red blood cells for oxygen transport